ABLES JOHN J. ST.FRANCIS CSA-CO.B-Fifth Arkansas Regiment-Govan's Brigade-Civil War. | John J. Ables, proprietor of one of the leading groceries of Colt, is a native of this county, and when a boy worked on his father's farm, attending school at intervals; although not regular in attendance, he being a bright scholar and willing to learn, received a fair common-school education. In May, 1861, at the age of seventeen, he entered the Confederate service, enlisting in Company B, Fifth Arkansas Regiment, Govan's brigade, Pat Claburne's division, Hardee's and Cheatham's corps of the Army of the Tennessee, commanded by Beauregard, Albert Sidney Johnston, Braxton Bragg, Joseph E. Johnston and J. B. Hood, of Texas. Mr. Able's career as a soldier led him through many different battles-Chickamauga, Murfreesboro, Franklin, from Bowling Green, Ky., to Bentonville, N. C., via Nashville, Chattanooga and Dalton down the railroad and State line to Atlanta, thence to Jonesboro via Augusta, Ga., back to Bentonville. He fought the last battle under Johnston at that place, that famous general then falling back to Greensboro, N. C., where he surrendered. Mr. Ables took his chances for his home in Arkansas, and was in all the engagements of that march, soldiering through East Tennessee, around Knoxville, on Clinch River, at Clinton, with Bragg through Cumberland Gap to Kentucky. He was wounded in the right hand, losing his little finger, which, though a small and seemingly unimportant member, necessitated his absence from active duty for three months. He served throughout the war, and took an active part in every battle of his division in the Mississippi Valley, with the exception of those during the three months of his disability. Returning home in May, 1865, Mr. Ables was married the following August to Miss Mary A. Stutts. They are the parents of eight children, all of whom are living: Cora Belle, John W., Willis R., Anna C., Micager C., Samuel, James D. and Emma Lou. Following his matrimonial venture Mr. Ables engaged in farming, and now has a nicely improved farm of 160 acres. He was born in 1844, being the son of M. C. and Jane C. (Moore) Ables, natives of Tennessee and Alabama, respectively. M. C. Ables came to Arkansas in 1828, and settled in this county at a time when there were but few families in the locality. Here he bought a farm of 320 acres, on which he lived until the time of his death, with the exception of a year or two during his residence in Wittsburg, and also while in the Mexican War.In 1887 our subject sold out his farming interests and came to Colt Station, embarking in the grocery business, in which he is still engaged. In this he has been very successful. He held the office of constable of his township before moving to Colt, and was also justice of the peace for ten years, and has now a commission as notary public. Mr. Ables is a stanch Democrat and a member of the I. O. O. F. and Knights of Honor. . Enl 12Jun1861 at Wittsburg, AR. Reenl 17 Feb 1864. Received clothing 17 Sep 1864. Signed by X. Was in the disabled camp at Lauderdale Springs, MS 14 Mar 1865 and granted a 60 day furlough due to a shell wound. COLT TIMES-Mr.J.J.Ables has moved to Little Rock, and his son, Mr.J.B.Ables has taken charge of his drug store at this place. - Date:+3-6-1903 | ADAMS P. H. LEE CO.-page 572 | P. H. Adams, a farmer and stock-dealer, was born in Lee County, Ark., in 1844, being the son of Henry and Nancy (Rolledge) Adams. Henry Adams was a native of Kentucky, but of English descent, and to his marriage fifteen children were born, only three of them now living: P. H., Thomas J. and Nancy (the wife of Thomas Kemp, a prosperous farmer of this county). Mr. Adams died in St. Francis County, in 1862, where he had resided for many years. His wife received her final summons some years previous. P. H. Adams was married to Miss Mary Upton, of Lee County, in 1866, and by her became the father of two children (both deceased). Mrs. Adams having died, for his second and present wife Mr. Adams chose Mrs. Mary J. Golightley, who bore him flve children: Martha C. (the wife of J. Bowman of this county), Allie S., Mary C., Belle E. and Francis R. Mr. Adams owns 240 acres of land, with 100 improved, giving evidence of a careful and thorough cultivation. He is a Mason, and belongs to Baxton Lodge, No. 242. In his religious faith he clings to the Baptist doctrine, being a member of that denomination. Mrs. Adams is a member of the Methodist Church, South. She is a native of Illinois, and was born in 1844, the daughter of Ames and Martha A. Smith. Her parents died in 1886 and 1887, respectively | ADARE J.L. ST.FRANCIS | J. L. Adare, a native of Northern Alabama, is a son of Samuel W. and Mary J. (Freeze) Adare, who also came originally from that State, the father being of French descent, and the mother of Irish ancestry. J. L. Adare assisted his father on the farm until twenty years of age, when he was engaged in clerking for about four years. In 1879 he came to Arkansas and located in St. Francis County, gave his attention to farming the first year, and the following year entered the employ of Mr. Vital Lesca, as clerk, and is now at the head of the business. Mr. Adare was born in Madison County, Ala., on December 27, 1850, and was married on September 8, 1889, to Mrs. Delia Lesca, widow of his former employer, and a daughter of Stephen Snowden, a native of Tennessee. Mr. Adare is a member of the K. of H., and is a well known citizen and highly respected. LOUGHRIDGE CEMETERY | ALLEN WILLIAM D.-DR CROSS CO. | Dr. William D. Allen, of Wynne, Ark., has been a successful practitioner of Cross County, Ark., for forty years, and is ever to be found at the bedside of the sick and aflicted. His birth occurred in Baton Rouge, La., in 1823, and he was the fifth of a family of ten children, the result of the union of William and Clementine J. (Quillin) Allen, natives of Tennessee. Both Mr. and Mrs. Allen removed with their parents to Louisiana when children, and there attained their growth. William Allen was a farmer by occupation, also carried on stock raising, and remained in Louisiana until 1836, when in ihe spring of that year he came to Arkansas. He settled about six miles southeast of the present village of Wynne, in what was then Phillips County, Ark., and when there were about forty families living along Crowley's Ridge, a distance of about sixty miles. Here Mr. Allen, Sr., bought about 4,000 acres of land, on which he at once began making improvements, clearing land, erecting buildings, etc., and he brought with him a largenumber of negroes, who, with his family, numbered fifty-six souls. He chartered a small steamboat to transport his family and slaves to Arkansas, and landed at a point called Andrew's Landing. This boat was the second one up the St. Francis River. He then went to work and cleared about 400 acres, and resided on the same until his death, which occurred in 1846. The mother lived until 1880, and died at the age of seventy-eight years. Dr. William D. Allen was twelve years of age at the time his father moved to Arkansas, and prior to that time had attended school in his native State. After moving to Arkansas his father engaged a private teacher for his family and other children in the vicinity, and the Doctor received instruction in this manner for three years; then as new settlers came in they had permanently established subscription schools. At the age of twenty-one years Dr. Allen went to Lexington, Ky., and entered the Transylvania University, where he took a literary course of three years. There were attending, at that time, Gen. Morgan, William Walker, Gen. Buckner, Col. Pickett, and a number of others, who have since become known in history. From there Dr. Allen went to Louisville, where he took a year's course in medicine, and then went to the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated after a strict examination, in May, 1849. He then returned to Arkansas, and at once began the practice of his profession in the country surrounding his father's homestead. The Doctor has been in the constant practice of his profession since that time, and in the immediate vicinity of the place. In 1852, Dr. Allen was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Oliver, a granddaughter of John Johnson, who came to Arkansas in 1812, settling in Phillips, now St. Francis County,where he cleared a large tract of land, and there died about 1830. Many of his descendants are still living in this section, prosperous and well-to.do. After marriage Dr. Allen continued his practice, and in connection speculated considerably in land, making large sums on some of their sales, and on some tracts making extensive improvements. In 1884 he came to Wynne, a station on the military road, , that had just been named, and at that time there was but one shanty in the place. His office was a small log-cabin. In 1886 he erected an office which was destroyed in the fire that year. The Doctor is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Forrest City Lodge No. 34, and he and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. To his marriage were born four children: Willie, John, Walter and Emmett. The firstthree are living in St. Francis County, where they own fine farms, and the last is attending medical lectures in New Orleans. S. L. Austell, farmer, Wittsburg, Ark. This successful agriculturist owes his nativity to Cross County, Ark., where his birth occurred in 1848, and is the son of Samuel and Mabel Caroline (Wof- ford) Austell, natives of South Carolina, but who came to Arkansas at an early date. The Woffords were early pioneers, and Grandfather Isaac Wofford built the first housein Wittsburg. He opened a large farm, and there passed his last days, his death occurring in 1849. Samuel L. Austell at first settled on Crowley's Ridge, near the present city of Wynne, but removed to the bottoms, about one mile from Wittsburg, where he cleared about 100 Acres. Mr. Audell was for many years one of the leading spirits of that section. He took a prominent part in politics, and was elected the first county judge of Cross County. He was also quite prominently spoken of as Governor of Arkansas. He died in 1866, and the mother in 1870. At one time he owned nearly all the land around Wynne, and speculated largely in real estate. | ALLEN WILLIAM E. ST.FRANCIS | William E. Allen, active in the agricultural affairs of this county, was born in St. Francis County, Ark., being the son of William and Eliza L. (Oliver) Allen, natives of Louisiana, and Arkansas, respectively. The former began life for himself at the age of twenty-one years, and now owns 261 acres of valuable land, with 100 acres carefully improved and cultivated. Aside from his many farming interests, he is engaged in stock raising, making a success of that branch as with everything else. In 1877 Mr. Allen was married to Miss Florine L. Beazley, who died in 1884, leaving one child, Mary A. In 1888 Miss Ella E. Gray, a daughter of William F. and Sarah E. Gray, became his present wife. To their union one child has been born, Willie L. Mr. and Mrs. Allen are members in high standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and the former is a Democrat in his political views. He contributes liberally to all public enterprises, and is held in high esteem by the entire community. CITY CEMETERY | ALLEY W.H. -DR ST.FRANCIS | W.H. Alley, M.D., in his connection with the professional affairs of this communtiy has attained a well-deserved prominence. Born in Mississippi in 1861, he passed his boyhood days in the common schools of that state, obtaining a practical education, and manifesting at an early age an unusally bright mind. At the age of fourteen he was head of classes in which majority were many years his senior. When seventeen years old he commenced the study of medicine under a tutor, and in 1879, entering the Vanderbilt University, was graduated from the Medical Dept. of that institution in March, 1881. He first located in his home in Mississippi, where he practiced with success for two years, but later became located at Lewsiburg, Miss., for one year, and then Bellevue, Miss., where he remained until 1888. Dr.Alley then came to Arkansas and settled in Forrest City, and though only a few years have elapsed since his entrance, he has built up a practice of which others of more advanced years and experience might feel proud. Dr.Alley's wife, the former Miss Emma L. Cobbs, daughter of Paul M. Cobbs, State and Land Commissioner of Arkansas. To their union one interesting little daughter has been born, Mary. The doctor owns an attractive home, which is furnished in excellent taste, and three valuable farms. He is a Democrat in his political views, a member of the Knights of Pythias and prominently identified with the County Medical Society. J.H. and Ophelia (McCombs) Alley, his parents were natives of Tennesseee. The father followed merchandising at Byahlia, Miss., nearly all of his life, but in 1884 came to Arkansas and is now engaged in operating a large plantation. Mrs.Alley is still living, and is of Scotch and Irish descent. The paternal grandfather was born in Virginia and the maternal grandfather. N.H.McCombs, came originally from North Carolina, spending the greatest portion of his life in Mississippi, where he died at the age of seventy-three years. The maternal grandmother's name was Reid; she was directly descended from the Scotch and Irish. BIO:Physicians-The Forrest City Times' Art Souvenir-1905-Page 39:Eight:Dr.J.O.Rush/Dr.L.H.Merritt/Dr.W.H.Alley/Dr.D.O.Bridgeforth/Dr.J.H.StoneDr.T.C.Strong/Dr.F.C.Smith/Dr.J.T.Longest-Born Mississippi, husband of Emma L. Cobbs b.abt 1864 in Arkansas, child Mary Alley b.abt.1888 Arkansas, source:http://worldconnect.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=arleneisgr8&id=I4806 CITY CEMETERY | ANDERSON DEWITT CSA-CO.K-FOURTH TENNESSEE CAVALRY-1ST LT-CIVIL WAR LEE CO.-page 573 | DeWitt Anderson has been prominently identified with the farming interests of Lee County, Ark., since 1881, and is now the owner of a fine farm comprising 400 acres. He was born in Wilson County, Tenn., in 1848, and is a son of Gen. Paulding Anderson and Martha T. (Horde) Anderson, the former of Tennessee and the latter of Virginia. She was a relative of the Morehead family, of North Carolina, and came with her parents to Tennessee when a small girl. She was a member of the Baptist Church, and at the time of her death, in 1861, was fifty-six years old. Her brother, Jesse Horde, was a leading minister of the Methodist Church, in Texas. Frank Anderson, the paternal grandfather, was a Virginian, and his father and mother were from Scotland, and settled in this country at a very early day. Paulding Anderson, the father of our subject, was one of a large family, and was reared in Tennessee, where he became well-known and arose to prominence in political matters. He held the various offices of his county, with the exception of county clerk, and was a member of both houses of the legislature several terms. He served in the Confederate army, and, after the Federals took possession of the State, he went to the South with Gov. Harris, and was an active participant in the Rebellion until 1863, at which time he was captured, and, after being kept a prisoner at Nashville for months, was released on parole. In his early life he commanded the Central State militia, and during a big rally he commanded 10,000 men, being made general at that time. He was very active in church and school matters in his youth, and for many years was one of the chief props of his church. He was finely educated, was a great reader, and up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1882, at the age of seventy-nine years, he kept thoroughly posted with the current literature [p.573] of the day. He and his wife were blessed in the birth of eleven children, nine of whom lived to be grown. DeWitt Anderson is the ninth in order of birth, and is one of the three who are now living. Six of the seven sons served in the Confederate army, also two nephews and eight first cousins, and only one of the entire lot was killed, Capt. Dick Anderson, who lost his life at the battle of Murfreesboro. None of the rest were even wounded. DeWitt Anderson commanded a company the first three years of the war, being first lieutenant of Company K, Fourth Tennessee Cavalry, and participated in the battles of Shiloh, the first and second battles of Murfreesboro, Chickamanga and Perryville; was in the Georgia campaign, and was taken prisoner near Rome, Ga., being kept in captivity at Johnson's Island for nine months. After the surrender he was released and came home, again taking up his farming implements. He is now one of the prosperous farmers of Arkansas, and, as shove stated, his home farm consists of 400 acres, although he owns 6,000 acres in the State, a considerable portion of which is rich bottom land. This property has all been acquired since coming to this State, as he then had no capital whatever, but his native energy and pluck. He was married in 1868 to Miss Chloe Davis, daughter of James Davis, a leading resident of Wilson County, Tenn., but he was called upon to mourn her death in 1870, her infant daughter dying soon after, at the age of six weeks. She was a consistent Christian, being a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was a faithful, loving and helpful wife-so much so, that Mr. Anderson has since remained faithful to her memory, and is a widower. Death: Aug. 21, 1902 Burial::Maple Hill Cemetery HelenaPhillips CountyArkansas, USAPlot: Confederate Section MAPLE HILL CEMETERY | ANDERSON DICK CSA-CAPTAIN-DIED IN BATTLE OF MURFREESBORO-CIVIL WAR LEE CO.-page 573 | SEE DEWITT ANDERSON | ANDERSON MARGRET E. (HOUSTON)-MRS ST.FRANCIS | On the first day of January, 1839, was born in St. Francis County the subject of this sketch. Her father, Alfred K. Houston, first saw the light of this world in South Carolina, December 21, 1814, and came to Arkansas with his parents at the age of five years, who settled in St. Francis County, Ark., where he was reared, and followed the occupation of a farmer, dying in this county in March, 1879. He was married to Miss Sallie Evans, of North Carolina origin, who came to Arkansas when a girl, and who departed this life in 1860. The issue of this union was seven children, four of whom are living: Margret E. (the principal of this sketch), Wellman C. (a farmer of this county), Hiram (living in this county, whose sketch is given elsewhere), Francis M. (also a resident of this county). Mrs. Anderson has been twice married, and is now a widow, her second husband dying some ten years ago. Her first marriage, on June 20, 1855, was to Aaron M. Hughes, of Georgian birth, and who died May 18, 1862; by this marriage were two sons, only one of whom is living, Wellman T., born November 15, 1860. She married again on June 20, 1867, to Robert Anderson, of South Carolina, and a son of Robert and Lucy (Beazley) Anderson, who died February 20, 1879. Four children were given to them, three of whom are still living: Sarah L., Robert K. and Nancy E. Of her husbands it can be said they were honest, industrious farmers, who succeeded in life and laid up some property for those who were dependent on them, and merited the great respect shown them. Mrs. Anderson is now living on her magnificent farm, situated on the banks of the St. Francis River, and in connection with this, owns a half-interest in 560 acres of valuable land, also the homestead, 115 acres. Her son, William T. Hughes, a model and rising young farmer, has the affairs of the farm under his supervision, and is making a decided success of it, and they have a happy home, wherein dwells ease, comfort and plenty. Mrs. Anderson is a member of and worships with the Methodist Episcopal Church. William T. Hughes is a member of the Knights of Honor. | APPERSON SAMUEL D. ST.FRANCIS | Samuel D. Apperson, the present popular and capable assessor of St. Francis County, was born in Marshall County, Miss., near Holly Springs, February 22, 1853, being the son of W. T. and Martha (Howes) Apperson, originally from Virginia and Tennessee, respectively. The parents had a family of six children, three now living, of whom Samuel D. is the third in order of birth. The latter accompanied his parents to Arkansas when quite young, and having settled near Forrest City before the present site was located, can justly be deemed a pioneer of the community. He remained here until 1873, attending the schools of the county, and then drove stock over the States of Tennessee, Indiana and Mississippi. In 1875 he returned home and came to Forrest City, where he conducted a general freight and dray business until 1880. His fitness for the position becoming recognized, he was elected marshal of Forrest City and served two terms of one year each. In 1886 he accepted the superintendency of trestle work on the Bald Knob Railroad from Bald Knob to Memphis, receiving a salary of $115 per month. Returning to Forrest City he found employment awaiting him as farm superintendent, which position he held for one year. Mr. Apperson was then elected county assessor to fill a vacancy, and is now discharging the manifold duties of that office in a highly creditable manner. He is a member of the K. of H. and I. O. O. F. fraternities, and a Democrat in his political views. He is of French descent, his grandfather having been a native of France. Mr. Apperson is progressive in his ideas, and many improvements in the city owe their existence to his liberal support and hearty co-operation. OBIT:DEATH OF SAM APPERSON=It was with feelings of geniune sorrow and regret the people of Forrest City and St.Francis county, received the tidings of the death of Mr.Samuel D. Apperson. Sam, as he was familiarly called by everybody who knew him, had been in failing health for some time, but nothing of a serious nature, and was preparing to go to Eureka Springs last Tuesday. On Thursday evening of last week he was on the streets as jovial as ever; during the night he was attacked by acute indigestion. He had the best of medical aid, and was apparently doing quite well, but Friday afternoon, congestion ensued and his spirit passed to its Maker. Sam D. Apperson was born in Marshall County, Mississippi, near Holly Springs, Feb.22,1853, being the son of W.T. and Martha Apperson, originally from Virginia and Tennessee respectively, came to St.Francis County, in 1860, and has lived here till his death. Sam was a familiar figure in political and otherwise, and always took an interest in anything which pertained to progress. Congenial, jovial, charitable to a fault, he was well known and liked by everybody. The funeral took place Saturday afternoon at the Forrest City cemetery under the auspices of the Knights of Honor, of which he was a member. Rev.B.L.Wilford closing the ceremony. Amidst tears, regrets, and showers of flowers all that was earthly of Sam D.Apperson were consigned to the grave. CITY CEMETERY | ARMSTRONG JOHN J. CSA-Army-Wounded in Corinth Battle-Civil War HEMPSTEAD-VOL3-page 1175 | | AUSTELL S.L. CROSS CO. | S. L. Austell, farmer, Wittsburg, Ark. This successful agriculturist owes his nativity to Cross County, Ark., where his birth occurred in 1848, and is the son of Samuel and Mabel Caroline (Wofford) Austell, natives of South Carolina, but who came to Arkansas at an early date. The Woffords were early pioneers, and Grandfather Isaac Wofford built the first house in Wittsburg. He opened a large farm, and there passed his last days, his death occurring in 1849. Samuel L. Austell at first settled on Crowley's Ridge, near the present city of Wynne, but removed to the bottoms, about one mile from Wittsburg, where he cleared about 100 Acres. Mr. Audell was for many years one of the leading spirits of that section. He took a prominent part in politics, and was elected the first county judge of Cross County. He was also quite prominently spoken of as Governor of Arkansas. He died in 1866, and the mother in 1870. At one time he owned nearly all the land around Wynne, and speculated largely in real estate. S. L. Austell was reared principally to farm labor, and received his education in the public schools. After the death of his father, he, with his brothers, Managed the farm until 1880, when he bought out the only remaining heir. This farm consists of about 1,100 acres, with 140 under cultivation. Mr. Austell also owns about 100 acres near Wittsburg, and in 1884 he bought the old home of the widow of Maurice Block, at Wittsburg. Mr. Austell owns, aside from this, 500 acres on Crowley's Ridge, 175 of which are under cultivation. This land he rents out, but farms the principal part of the balance himself. In 1860 his father built a cotton gin, and this our subject still runs. In the early days of the country, Grandfather Wofford started a ferry across the St. Francis River, at Wittsburg, and this descended by inheritance to S. L. Austell, having been in the family for many years, as may be seen. In 1877 Mr. Austell married Miss Page Johnson, a daughter of Thomas Johnson, who moved to Cross County, Ark., in 1864, and here followed farming until his death, which occurred in 1875. The mother is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Austell became the parents of five children, three of whom are deceased: Blanche (deceased), Samuel (deceased), Pearl and Thomas (living) and Clay (deceased). The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Wittsburg. Mr. Austell is only moderately active in politics, but takes a deep interest in school matters, being at present one of the directors. He is an active, energetic citizen. | BAGWELL JORDAN CSA-Forrest's Cavalry-Civil War HEMPSTEAD-VOL3-page 1175 | SEE JOHN J. ARMSTRONG | BAILES ELI CROSS CO. | Eli Bailes, farmer and treasurer of Cross County, is prominent among the comparatively young men of Cross County, whose career thus far has been both honorable and successful. He isinformed on the general topics of the day, he can not but impart to those with whom he comes in contact something of the truths with which his mind is stored. He was born in York County, S. C., in 1810, and was the youngeat of a family of seven children born to Eli and Mary A. (Alexander) Bailes, natives, respectively, of South Carolina and North Carolina. The father was a tiller of the soil and died in his native State in 1886. The mother died in 1887. Eli Bailes was reared in South Carolina and his time was divided in early life between assisting on the home place and in getting a limited education in the common schools. During the war his father and two brothers were in the Confederate army and one brother was killed. Eli Bailes came to Arkansas in 1867, located in St. Francis, bought a farm of 110 acres, erected buildings, cleared land and remained there until 1877, when he oame to Cross County and located on the Bay Ridge farm. He remained there for four years and then removed to the McCrae farm, where from overflow and several bad speculations he met with temporary financial embarrassment. He remained on this farm until 1885, and then came to Deadrick, now known as Levesque, where he farmed about 450 acres. On this farm he has a store, mostly intended for his own plantation supplies, but has a fair stock of goods and is doing a good business. On December 1, 1888, he was appointed postmaster at Levesque and on the first of the following year, at a special election, he was made treasurer of Cross County. He has always taken a deep interest in politics and is known as one of the hardest workers for the Democratic party. He has been married twice, first in March, 1869, to Miss Dovie Lembler, a native of South Carolina, but who was reared in St. Francis County. She died in September, 1875, and left two children, a son and daughter: Charles Edward and Dovie Ethel. His second marriage took place on January 19, 1871, to Miss Maggie Wood, who was born and reared in St. Francis County. The fruits of this union were four children, two of whom are living: Robert H. and Lucile. Those deceased were unnamed. Mr. Bailes is a good farmer and a respectable citizen. | BAILES ELI SR. CROSS CO. | SEE ELI BAILES | BAMSON R.B. CROSS CO. | R. B. Bamson, one of the prominent citizens of Bedford Township, was born in Devonshire, England, in 1838, being a son of William and Sarah (Louis) Bamson, also natives of England, who became the parents of four children:William, Mary, John (who served twelve years in the English army, and was taken with dropsy and died at Canton, China, in 1864) and R. B. (our subject). Mr.and Mrs. Bamson both died in 1874, in their seventy-second year, having never been outside their native country. R. B. Bamson was apprenticed to a gunsmith at the age of fourteen, with whom he worked seven eyars, after which he followed his trade in England until twenty-seven years of age. Coming thence to America, and landing in New York September 1, 1860, he worked in a machine shop on Fifty-second Street for $5.50 per day, and the following year went to Savannah, Ga., where he was employed in a carriage shop at $6 per day, there remaining until May, 1862, when he joined the Confederate army, in the Fulton Dragoons, commanded by Capt. Waley. He served until May 6, 1865 (when he was paroled), most of the time acting as a sharpshooter and scout, and was one of the "boys" who captured Gen. Crittenden, and was the possessor of that officer's pistols. After the war, Mr. Bamson returned to Georgia and settled in Decatur, where he was married in 1866 to Mrs. S. T. Puitte, nee Moore. After his marriage he opened a shop and was engaged in the repair and manufacture of guns. In 1870 Mr. Bamson came to Arkansas, and bought a farm in Cross County, where he resided for three years, then removing to Douglas County, Mo., buying a farm there. He sold out two years later and went to Baxter County, where he was engaged in farming and also opened up a shop. Four years afterward he settled at Rome, Ga., resuming farming, and also ran a grist-mill and saw-mill for three years. In 1879 Mr. Bamson returned to this county and purchased a farm, also opening a gunsmith shop, in which business he is still engaged. He owns a farm of eighty acres, with thirty acres under cultivation. Mr. Bamson owns a one-thrid interest in a steam-gin, which turns out annually 375 bales of cotton. Himself and wife are the parents of four children, three of whom are stillliving: W. B. and M. E. (twins) and Neoma. Mr. and Mrs. Bamson are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. The former is also a member of theCounty Wheel, and is an enterprising citizen, lending his aid to all work for the public welfare, and extending a welcome to anyone seeking a home in this community. | BARLOW J.C. -CAPTAIN CSA-Second Arkansas Battery-Captain-Civil War PHILLIPS CO. | Capt. J. C. Barlow, dealer in hardware, stoves, etc., of Helena, Ark., was born in Scott County, Ky., January 3, 1836, and is a son of Thomas J. and Mildred (Cantrell) Barlow, natives of Scott and Bourbon Counties, Ky., respectively. The paternal grandfather was born in Old Virginia and the grandmother in North Carolina, but at an early period they moved to the wilds of Kentucky, making their way thither on horseback, the grandmother carrying a large cane which she pretended was a gun, and used in frightening away the Indians. [p.750] She was reared on the farm once owned by Daniel Boone in the "Old North State." The grandparents on both sides died in Kentucky, and were farmers by occupation. Thomas J. Barlow was also a farmer, and after living a useful and well-spent life, quietly breathed his last in Ballard County, Ky., in 1873, his wife's death occurring in Scott County, Ky., she having borne him six children, three of whom are now living: Frances A. (wife of John W. Allison, of Bourbon County, Ky.), Joseph C. and James M. Edward was in the Confederate army and died at Montgomery, Ala. Thomas died in Kentucky and William also died there when quite young. Mr. Barlow was married twice and by his last wife had a family of three children, Clifton J. being the only one alive. J. C. Barlow was reared and favored with the advantages of the common schools in Scott County, Ky., but in 1859 came to Helena, Ark., and became a salesman in a dry-goods establishment, this work receiving his attention until the opening of the war, when he enlisted in the Phillips County Guards, and subsequently got a transfer to the Yell Rifles, with which he served until the fall of 1861, when he joined the Second Arkansas Battery, remaining with them until the close of the war. After serving for some time as first lientenant of artillery he was appointed to the rank of captain by the secretary of war, and was a participant in all the engagements of his regiment. After the war he clerked in Memphis, Tenn., for about one year, then returned to Helena and has since been conducting a hardware establishment, this enterprise meeting with good success under his able management. He has the largest stock of goods in the town, and receives a most liberal share of public favor. He filled an unexpired term as mayor of Helena, is president of the Phillips County Fair Association, and since August 22, 1882, has held the position of colonel of the Arkansas State Guards, receiving his appointment from Gov. F. J. Churchill during the political troubles of that year. He was married in 1869 to Miss Mary J. Porter, a native of Helena, and in 1876 took for hissecond wife Mrs. Mary Grant, by whom he has three children: Fannie A., Harrell E. and Joseph C., Jr. Capt and Mrs. Barlow are members of the Episcopal Church. | BARNES THOMAS H. USARMY-Forty Seventh Kentucky Volunteer Inf-Civil War HEMPSTEAD-VOL3-page 1291 | FT.SMITH | BARNES THOMAS H.-COLONEL USARMY-Eighth Kentucky Inf-Civil War HEMPSTEAD-VOL3-page 1291 | FT.SMITH | BARTON JAMES F.- MAJOR CRITTENDEN CO. CSA-Dobbin's Regiment-Major-Civil War | Maj. James F. Barton (deceased), whose portrait appears in this volume, was one of the most prominent citizens of this county as well as of the State. The Barton family is one that is well known in connection with the history of Arkansas, and is of English-Irish lineage. The first history that we have of them is a Barton, whose given name is unknown, that came to this country and settled in Charlotte County, Va., long before the Revolutionary War, where his son, James Barton, is supposed to have been born, and he is known to have immigrated to Abbeville District, S. C. He also had a son, James, who was born February 22, 1772, in Charlotte County, Va. He left his native State in 1784, going to South Carolina with his father, where he remained for ten years, when he married and went to Mercer County in 1794; in 1796 to Barren County, where he died September 24, 1846. He was a self-made man, having started with little but his hands, and a determined mind to make his fortune, which he did, for he was very wealthy when he died. He was an earnest worker in the Christian Baptist Church, very charitable, of a pushing and energetic turn of mind. James Barton, son of the above, was born July 5, 1794, in Mercer County, Ky., and in 1823 he moved to Henry County, Tenn., where he remained till 1835, when he moved to Tipton County, Tenn., where he died March 5, 1852. James Forbes Barton, son of the above and subject of our sketch, was born in Henry County Tenn., December 7, 1824. He went to Barren County, Ky., where he reached his majority, and received the last years of his educational training. While in this county he was married [p.400] December 7, 1847, to Frances B. Edmunds, who was born December 7, 1831. In 1850 they moved to Texas, but at the request of his father returned in 1852, and settled in Crittenden County, where he purchased large tracts of land, on which he made many valuable improvements. He also engaged in steamboating, and having become very prominent in politics was elected to the legislature and was afterward county and probate judge. At the outbreak of the Civil War he was a sympathizer of the Union, but when the South seceded, he took sides with his State and joined the Confederate army, and after casting his lot with the South, he took active part and served with great credit. He organized a company in Crittenden County, of which he was made captain of the rank of major. He was assistant quartermaster under the then chief quartermaster of the Trans-Mississippi Department, Maj. John D. Adams, of Little Rock, Ark. He held the position of collector of cotton-tax till 1863, when he was recommissioned to organize a battalion in the Confederate States. Going into the service as a captain in Col. Dobbin's regiment, he was commissioned by the department to go into Georgia to secure arms for the soldiers. After making four trips, he secured enough arms to equip nearly all of Gen. Price's army, previous to the last raid through Missouri, Kansas and Indian Territory. Near the close of the war he was made major, which office he filled till the close, when he surrendered at Mound City, this county, in 1865. During the war the Federal troops burned his home, leaving his family in very destitute circumstances, having neither food nor clothing. The war ended, he returned to his family and took active part in righting the wrongs brought on by the long contest. He held the office of county judge till the reconstruction, when he was disqualified. He then moved to Memphis, Tenn., where he owned considerable property, and lived there till his death, which occurred October 11, 1873, of yellow fever. While in Memphis he became very prominently engaged in the manufacture of cotton-seed oil, and was the cause of the establishing of the second cotton-seed-oil mill in the city of Memphis, and at the time of his death was superintendent of the Memphis Cotton Seed Oil Company. He never raised a bale of cotton in his life, but was mostly engaged in buying and selling real estate, and before the war owned quite a number of slaves; he also o | BARTON ROBERT W.- DR. CRITTENDEN CO. | Robert W. Barton, M.D., considered among the profession as one of the leading physicans, and an upright and honest citizen of Crittenden County, was born in this county, March 17, 1860, to the union of James F. and Frances (Edmonds) Barton. [See sketch.] Robert W. Barton spent most of his youth in Memphis, Tenn., and was educated in the common schools of Louisville, Ky., and the Lincoln public school of St. Louis, Mo. In 1876, during the big strike in St. Louis, he volunteered as a soldier and served throughout that affray in that city, the youngest of 3,000 volunteers, and did active and honorable service for eleven days while quelling the riot. He was requested and urged by his officers to become a West Point cadet at large from Missouri, but owing to the fact that he was a son of a Confederate soldier he could not be appointed, although endorsed by Capt. Elerby, Lieut. Barlow and other officers, and quite a number of prominent men of both Nashville and Memphis, Tenn. In 1879 he entered the State University of Tennessee, and owing to his ill health remained for [p.405] only two years, and commenced the study of medicine in Memphis with Dr. Rogers as his preceptor, in 1882, and later he assisted R. D. Murray, United States army surgeon for four months. In 1883, he was appointed interne in the city hospital of Physicians and Surgeons of Baltimore, Md., from which school he graduated in 1884, and returned to Memphis, Tenn., where he commenced the practice of his profession. In July of that year he came to this county, where he has since practiced. While in Memphis he was a member of the State Medical Association of Tennessee, and is now of the Tri-State Medical Society of Mississippi, Arkansas and Tennessee, and president of the board of medical examiners of this county. Dr. Barton was married to Miss Mamie G. Grasty, who was born in Danville, Va., and was reared in Baltimore, Md., where she graduated from the Western Female High School, taking the Peabody medal. She then graduated from the Maryland Musical Institute, under Prof. May. Mrs. Barton is a very highly educated lady and is in every way an estimable woman. She is the mother of two children: Phebe Housen and Francis Edmunds. She is an active and prominent member of the Second Presbyterian Church of Memphis, Tenn. | BEDFORD T.A. CROSS CO. | T. A. Bedford, druggist, Wynne, Ark. A very reliable as well as popular drug store is that of Mr. Bedford, who engaged in the drug business in Wynne, in February, 1889, and who has every requisite and convenience in this line. He is a native of Middle Tennessee, where his birth occurred in 1842, and is the second of four children born to John H. and Lizzie(Allen) Bedford, natives of Tennessee, where the father was for many [p.336] years engaged in farming, manufacturing tobacco and merchandising. In 1849 he and family moved to West Tennessee, nine miles from Memphis, and there he engaged in the cultivation of cotton, continuing at this until his death, in 1851. After this his widow moved with the family to Columbia, Tenn., where she remained for three years for the purpose of educating her children. They were then sent to Lebanon to complete their education. The mother died in 1870. T. A.Bedford attended school until the end of 1860, when he came to Arkansas and purchased a farm in what is now Cross County, about five miles west of Wynne, bought about thirty negroes and embarked in the cotton raising business. After making one crop he went to Tennessee to visit his mother, and while there enlisted in the Confederate army, Company K,Fourth Tennessee Cavalry, commanded by Col. Paul Anderson, and was assigned to duty in Gen. Bragg's army. He was in the battles of Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Perryville, Dalton and Resaca, and was captured in May, 1864, while bearing a dispatch from Gen. Hood, would not take the oath and was sent as a prisoner to Alton, Ill. There he remained until peace was declared. In 1866 he returned to Arkansas to look after the property he had left there, and found his slaves, mules and horses gone and the plantation overgrown with underbrush. He settled here, however, and returned to agricultural pursuits. In January, 1868, he married Miss Mary Rebecca Cogbill, a native of Tennessee and a daughter of George Cogbill, who came to Arkansas, in 1860, settled in Cross County, and followed farming until his death, in 1867. Mr. Bedford also tilled the soil until the death of his wife, in 1882, and in the following year he went to Wittsburg, and was in the drug business at that place for some time. He was then in the warehouse and shippingbusiness, which occupation he still continues. To his marriage were born three children: Thomas A. J. (is at present postal clerk on the Memphis& Bald Knob Railroad), Mattie R. (is a graduate of Shelbyville, Tenn.,in the class of 1889), and Mamie (is attending school at Nashville, with the same teacher under whom the elder sister graduated). In 1886 Mr.Bedford was appointed postmaster of Wittsburg, and opened the office in his drug store. He remained at Wittsburg until 1888, when he resigned the postoffice (having sold the drug store in 1887) and went to Wynne, where he purchased the drug stock of Bunch & Hamilton. He now has as fine a drug store as can be found in Eastern Arkansas, and carries a complete line of pure drugs and chemicals, toilet articles, paints and oils and the usual druggists' sundries. For compounding and putting upprescriptions he has the assistance of S. A. Miller, a graduate of the Pennsylvania School of Pharmacy, at Philadelphia and York (Penn.) School of Sciences. This assistant has a complete chemical outfit and is thus prepared to analyze water, mineral ores and chemical compounds. Mr.Bedford owns a farm one and a half miles east of Wynne. | BERRY ALONZO A.-DR CROSS CO. | Alonzo A. Berry, M. D., numbered among the rising young medical practitioners in this portion of Arkansas, is a worthy son of Bartlett A. and Elmira (Hennasu) Berry, natives of North Carolina. The former, now in his fifty-seventh year, has held a public office since twenty-one years of age. He was first sheriff of his county (Burke), which position he held during the war, and was again elected in 1887, discharging his duties of trust at the present time. He was a representative to the State legislature two terms in the Lower House, and also represented his district in the State senate from 1880 to 1884. Mr.and Mrs. Berry are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the parents of ten children: Lenore, Letitia (wife of Dr. Flow, of NorthCarolina), Alonzo A. (our subject), Clara E. (wife of Dave Berry, of North Carolina), Robert B., Lillie P., Bartlett A., Jethroe W., Forrest C. and Marvin G. A. A. Berry was born in North Carolina in 1865, and was educated in the common schools of his county, attending Rutherford College, and Finley High School, at Lenoir, N. C., from which he graduated at the age of eighteen years. Following his literary course, he entered the Louisville Medical College, and the Kentucky School of Medicine, at Louisville, Ky., graduating in 1887. He then returned to North Carolina, where he commenced practicing, but remained only a short time, coming the same year to Arkansas, and locating in Bay Village, Cross County, where he now enjoys a large and lucrative practice. He is rapidly becoming one of the leading physicians of the community. | BICKERSTAFF ROBERT J. CSA-CO. C.Twenty-third Arkansas Infantry-CIVIL WAR LEE CO.-page 573 | Robert J. Bickerstaff is a native of Georgia, in which State he remained until thirteen years of age, going thence to Chambers County, Ala. After a twenty-three years' residence there he came to Arkansas, and settled in this county (then a part of Monroe), arriving February 26, 1859. Here he first engaged in farming, but later carried on the mercantile business in Moro, from 1871 to 1874, since which time he has resumed tilling the soil. Mr. Bickerstaff was born in Jasper County November 28, 1823, and was a son of Robert and Nancy (Roberson) Bickerstaff. Robert Bickerstaff was born in the State of Pennsylvania in 1774, but removed to Georgia about 1790, where he was married in 1797 or 1798. He was a son of a colonel in the Revolutionary War, and he himself was a soldier in the Indian War under Gen. Jackson, and was killed by the Indians at Fort Henderson in May, 1836. Mrs. Bickerstaff was born in Ireland in 1778, came to this country at the age of fourteen, and died in Georgia in 1834. They were the parents of fifteen children, six sons and nine daughters; two of the sons only are living, the subject of this sketch, and Pollard B., a farmer of Montgomery County, Ala. Robert J. Bickerstaff was married in Alabama, on January 31, 1848, to Miss Mary Dazier, of the same county as himself, she having been born June 28, 1828, as a daughter of Woody and Eliza (Compton) Dazier. They became the parents of eight children, seven sons and one daughter, four of whom are still living: Herschel, Robert, Mary L. (wife of John H. Sims) and Andrew, all farmers of this county, though the latter is also employed in Government work. Mr. Bickerstaff enlisted in 1862 in Company C. of the Twenty-third Arkansas Infantry, and after the reorganization was in the Trans-Mississippi Department, serving until the close of the war, having been thrice captured but each time made his escape. Mr. Bickerstaff owns a 240-acre farm, covered with valuable timber, with the exception of ninety acres under cultivation, and he also owns land in Van Zandt County, Tex. Although not taking an active part in politics, Mr. Bickerstaff has held the office of justice of the peace for the past two years. He has been a member of the Masonic order for forty years, and has also belonged to the Missionary Baptist Church the same length of time. Mrs. Bickerstaff is connected with the same church. MANY DESCENDANTS BURIED HERE:Oak Grove Cemetery-Moro, Lee County, Arkansas, USA | BIGHAM VIRGIL C. CSA-CO.B.First Arkansas Infantry Battalion-Civil War LEE CO.-page 574 | Virgil C. Bigham owes his nativity to Tennessee, though he commenced farming at the age of nineteen years in Monroe County, Ark., and has been engaged in this occupation to the present. He has also carried on the mercantile business since November, 1888. Mr. Bigham now owns 380 acres of land, with eighty acres under cultivation. [p.574] He was born December 17, 1835, a son of Martin Bigham and Sallie (Breeding) Bigham, natives of the State of Tennessee. They were the parents of seven children, Virgil C. being the only one living. The father died in 1854, ten years after the death of his wife. Virgil C. Bigham was married in December, 1857, in Monroe County, to Miss Rachel Breeding, who died in 1858, leaving two children, both deceased. He married his second wife, formerly Miss Eli****beth Caplinn, of this State, in 1863. She became the mother of one daughter, also deceased. Mr. Bigham enlisted in the Confederate army, in 1862, in Company B, of the First Arkansas Battalion (Infantry), and took part in several hard fought battles, but was mostly on scout duty. He has been postmaster of Moro since October, 1889. He is well-known throughout the township as an honest and upright man. | BISHOP S. A. LEE CO.-page 574 | S. A. Bishop, the subject of this sketch, was born in New Berne, N. C., April 11, 1835, his parents being Samuel and Phobe (Hilbert) Bishop, both of New Berne, N. C., the latter dying in New Berne, N. C., at the advanced age of sighty-three years. S. A. Bishop received a high school education, and at the age of nineteen accepted a position as chief salesman in his brother's furniture store at New Berne, where he remained until December, 1857, after which he removed to Haywood County, Tenn. There on April 13, 1858, he was married to Miss Sarah W. Jones, of New Berne, N. C., she being the daughter of Dr. William M. and Rouncy Jones, nee Miss Rouncy Cooper, the two last named of Haywood County, Tenn. The result of this union was one daughter who, in 1878, married Mr. T. E. Bond, of Brownsville, Tenn., where they now reside. Mrs. Sarah W. Bishop died December 24, 1872. On October 15, 1873, Mr. Bishop was married to Miss Ida Peebles, at Brownsville, Tenn., she being the daughter of Mr. Bobert and Mrs. Ann Peebles. The result of this union was four children, viz.: Samuel A. (born July 21, 1874), Luey C. (born March 7, 1877), Robert P. (born July 14, 1879), and Ann Hilbert (born October 20, 1881). Mrs. Ida Bishop died at Marianna, Ark., October 6, 1888, and was buried at Brownsville, Tenn. Robert P. Bishop died August 3, 1885; the other children are living, Samuel' being a student of the Christian Brothers' College, St. Louis, Mo., and Lucy C. and Ann H. are with their aunt, Mrs. Lelia A. Blackwell, of Dallas, Tex. Mr. Bishop was engaged in the mercantile business first in 1865, at Dancyville, Tenn., remaining there until the spring of 1872, when he removed to Brownsville, Tenn., and continued merchandising. In the spring of 1883 he removed to Marianna, Ark., where he did a profitable and prosperous business until 1889, when he retired from business and is now engaged in collecting up his claims and winding up his business affairs. He is an example of a successful business man, of high social qualities, and is an honorable and affable gentleman. | BLOCK ISAAC CROSS CO. | I. Block, one of the prominent business men and planters, of Cross County, Ark., was originally from St. Louis County, Mo., where his birth occurred in March, 1851, and is the son of Maurice and Anna (Woubilman) Block. [See sketch of Maurice Block.] I. Block attended school at Harrisburg, in Poinsett County, until the outbreak of the war, and during those troublesome times he assisted his father in many expeditions,smuggling cotton into Memphis, and goods and provisions to the people back home on his return. During those trips they met with adventures,and endured much hardship, but with cotton at $500 per bale, and all goods that could be brought home yielding an enormous profit, they continued this business until the end of the war. In 1866 I. Block attended school for one year at Wittsburg, and during the next three years he assisted his father on the farm. During 1808 he spent another year in school at Covington, Tenn., and then his father gave him a farm, after which for five years he was engaged in cultivating the soil, "baching it" on the farm. He was quite successful, raising a great deal of cotton, corn and live-stock. In 1875 he went to Wittsburg, and engaged as clerk with his brother, L. N. Block & Co., continuing with this firm for about eight months. At that time his father dying, he entered the firm of D. Block & Co., representing his mother's interest in that business, and continued with the same for about three years,or until 1879, when the firm dissolved partnership. After this he became a member of the firm of L. N. Block & Co., and the title was changed to Block Bros. & Co. This firm immediately began to do a large trade, the first year handling $85,000 worth of cotton, dealing extensively in live-stock and machinery. This firm continued in business until the decline of Wittsburg as a trading point, when they dissolved. For about two years they ran a branch store at Wynne, under the title of Block & Co., and these two stores were connected by a Bell telephone, the only one ever used in Cross County. These stores were closed out together. In 1882 Mr. Block bought 160 acres on the Helena branch of the Iron Mountain Railroad, at Wynne, and continued to add to this tract of land until now he is the owner of 766 acres. In 1884 he built a sawmill and ginnery at Wynne, and the sawmill soon became valuable property, as the railroad creates a large market for lumber,and during this time Mr. Block acquired the reputation of being the shrewdest sawmill man in Cross County. They sold this mill in 1888. After clearing out the commercial interests at both Wittsburg and Wynne,Mr. Block applied himself diligently to clearing his large farm adjoining the town of Wynne. In four years time he had cleared up, and reduced to a state of perfect cultivation, 400 acres, and made improvements on the same, which have at once placed this plantation among the highest improved places in the State. This fine piece of land adjoins the town of Wynne, and extends two miles along the railroad, being enclosed for over two miles by solid plank fence. Along the front every twenty acres has a neatly constructed tenant house each 40 acres has a double four-roomed cottage, and each house is surrounded by a plank fence. This row of cottages, extended for two miles along the road, each one painted white with red trimmings, present the appearance of a street in a town. There is no plantation in Eastern Arkansas that is better improved, or shows better taste, or business judgment inimproving or erecting buildings than this. In addition to this place,Mr. Block owns 1,000 acres in all parts of Cross County, and on those tracts there are about 150 acres under cultivation. Mr. Block now spends most of his time in looking after his extensive farms, and occupies as a residence an attractive home in the city of Wynne. This residence was constructed in 1884 and 1885, and is furnished with taste and care. He was married in 1878, to Mrs. Fannie Puryear, a widow and daughter of J. M. Levesque [see sketch], and his wife, with her many social graces, is a true help-mate to her husband, and his home-life is a pattern of domestic peace. Mr. Block has also built in Wynne a large two-story brick house, with a hall for exhibitions, and the store rooms are elegantly fitted up, and are very attractive. He has also built a number of the houses in the town and several smallstores. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Odd Fellows Lodge. | BLOCK JEFFERSON DAVIS CROSS CO. | J. D. Block. To the thoughtful mind a contrast between the work of the bar of the present day, and a lawyer's life journey fifty years ago in Arkansas, is something worthy of more than passing interest. The great task necessarily performed by those faithful practitioners of years gone by, did not combine to form a smooth path of gentle declivity leading to a beautiful temple of justice, elaborately arranged with all the comforts and belongings of the present. Neither is success in the legal profession now, won by lackof energy or persevering effort, in the line of this gifted calling. Mr. Block, one of the younger attorneys of Cross County, and its present prosecutor, has attained to a front rank as a member of the bar of the Second judicial district. Born in Poinsett County, Ark., he is the son of Maurice and Anna W. Block, representative people of this county, to whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. A thorough Arkansas by bringing up, as well as by birth, he secured a good common school education, which only served to fit him more thoroughly for the study of law, whose practice he had decided to make his life vocation. After a careful course he was admitted to the bar and at once entered upon what was destined to be a remarkable experience, for one so young in years. From his majority the field of politics seemed to offer unusual attractions for him, and at an early age hewas found active in local political movements throughout the Cross County. In 1886 he was elected to the State legislature, and had the distinction of being the youngest member in that important body. His term of service was marked by such decided ability and fitness for the position, that he was subsequently honored by being made prosecuting attorney of his district, receiving the largest vote given any man on the ticket. Mr. Block has also helped the office of county school examiner. His public life has already been one to which he may refer with credit. Brave, candid, truthful, with decided opinion, his moral and political convictions have been strong and unwavering. His manners stamp him a gentleman, and his career thus far promises to render him one of the most distinguished of Arkansas' lawyers. Mr. Block if for no other reason would be prominently recognized on account of his connection with that well-known family of Cross County, whose name he bears. | BLOCK JOSEPH CROSS CO. | Joseph Block , freight agent for the Missouri Pacific railroad, is a son of Maurice and Anna Block, his birth occurring in Poinsett County,Ark., in 1853. He is unfortunately a deaf mute, but has a bright mind,and is perfectly capable of filling the position of responsibility conferred upon him by the railroad company. He entered the Little Rock Deaf and Dumb Asylum at the age of fourteen years, and continued in this institution until eighteen years of age, when he began to learn the saddler's trade, serving and apprenticeship of three years in Memphis.He then worked at his trade a short time as journeyman, and received very good wages. After this he engaged in business for himself at Wittsburg as a saddler, but soon began and conducted a saloon under the firm title of Joseph Block & Co. for two years at the above mentioned place. In 1884 he secured a situation as express agent for the Southern Express Company, and held this position for one year to the universal satisfaction of the company and all its patrons. Later he became assistant freight agent, and in 1888 he was promoted to general freight agent for the station of Wynne. This railroad company employs over 8,000 men, and Mr. Block is the only mute in their employ. He is exceptionally brilliant,and, but for his infirmity, would long ere this have been included among the prominent businessmen of this section. He is moral, reliable and temperate in all his habits. | BLOCK MAURICE CROSS CO. | Maurice Block, deceased, was for many years a leading merchant in what is now Cross County. He was born in Germany in 1819, and spent his youth until fifteen years of age at home with his father, who was a merchant, and in attending school. At the above mentioned age his father wished him to learn the baker's trade, but this not proving satisfactory to Maurice, the latter left home and went to Paris, where he worked in a clock factory, doing the fine ornamental brass work and putting on the finishing touches. He worked at this until twenty-two years of age. The year previous, he wedded Miss Bettie Bloon, a native of Paris. In 1842, he came to the United States, landing at New Orleans, where he started out by selling goods through the country, and remained in that city for four or five years. While there Mrs. Block was stricken with the yellow fever and died, leaving two sons: Losso (who died in St. Louis in 1849) and Nathan (who is a merchant in Memphis). Soon after the loss of his wife, Mr. Block took his children and removed to Memphis, Tenn., where he continued his business of selling goods through the country for nearly a year. On May 17, 1849, he married Miss Anna Woubilman, also a native of Germany, and in July of the same year, they moved to St. Louis, where they resided for two years. In 1851 they moved to Arkansas, settled in Bolivar, the old county seat of Poinsett County, and here made their home for little more than a year. After this they removed to the Cold Water Spring, and here Mr. Block began clerking for David Block (a man of the same name but no relation), and remained in that capacity for two years,when he became a partner in the business, doing the largest cross roads trade on Crowley's Ridge. In 1859 they shipped 700 bales of cotton and over 10,000 coonskins. During the year 1858 this firm had the contract to furnish the city of Memphis with beef, and during that year they shipped over 2,600 head. This firm was dissolved in 1859 by Mr. David Block retiring, and the subject of this sketch moved to Farm Hill in 1860, and there started a store. He soon built up a large trade by his honest upright dealings, and bought a farm which promised to give good returns,but the war breaking out he was compelled to close the store in August,1861. In the fall of that year the Confederate soldiers burned 139 bales of cotton for him and a large quantity still in the seed, amounting in all to nearly 300 bales. Mrs. Block, with the assistance of two negro women, succeeded in saving a quantity of cotton by throwing the strawout of the bed ticks and filling them with cotton. Five months later this was taken from the ticks and made into two bales which Mr. Block,with the assistance of his son Isaac, took to Island No. 87, where they sold it for $1.20 per pound. During the years of the war, Mr. Block bought cotton and cattle, which he succeeded in smuggling into Memphis,and which resulted in immense profits, as he often sold calico at $1 peryard, coffee at $1 per pound and salt at $100 per barrel. These goods and others he would buy in exchange for cattle and cotton. In 1865 Mr.Block formed a partnership with his old partner, David Block, J. J. Hamilton and A. A. Luckey, and started a large store in Wittsburg, at the head of navigation of the St. Francis River. Mr. Luckey retired after six months. This firm, known as D. Block & Co., soon became one of the largest commercial firms this section has ever known, doing over$100,000 annually, and during the last year, 1875, their sales were over$175,000. Mr. Hamilton withdrew in 1874, and the subject of this sketch died on October 14, 1875. His widow continued his interest in the business until 1878, when David Block died, and the firm was dissolved, the business being sold out to J. Hall & Co. To the union of Maurice Block and his estimable wife were born ten children, seven sons and three daughters: Adam (died in infancy), Isaac (is a retired merchant and farmer residing in Wynne), William M. (is a real-estate agent at Vanndale),Joseph (a mute, has the position of manager at the freight department of the Missouri Pacific Railroad, at Wynne), Samuel (died in 1870 at the age of 13 years), Julia (is the wife of Ben Block, a merchant at Memphis), Jefferson Davis (a lawyer, present prosecuting attorney from the Second judicial district of Eastern Arkansas), Callie (wife of B. T.King, real-estate agent of Springfield), Robert E. Lee (county schoolexaminer of Cross County) and Fannie, who died at the age of ten yearsin 1880. Maurice Block was long a leading merchant in this section,and was an active energetic citizen. He was the father of a family of children, all of whom are noted for their success in life, and most of whom have been the author of their own fortunes. His widow, hale and hearty, is still living and enjoying the ample means of her husband's estate, makes her home alternately with one or other of her children. | BLOCK RAPHAEL CROSS CO. | Raphael Block is a leading merchant of Vanndale, was born in the town of Tremblade, Alsace, France, in May, 1852, and was the fourth in a family of five children, born to Herman and Rebecca Block, the father a successful businessman of the old country. Raphael remained at home attending schools, until thirteen years of age, and in 1871 determined to seek his fortune in America, and came to Wittsburg, Cross County, Ark., and engaged as a clerk for D. Block & Co., but about two years later, became an employee of G. M. Arnold & Co., general merchants of the same place. In1874 he engaged in general merchandising at Wittsburg, being associated with B. Block, and they immediately began doing an extensive trade, the largest in all probability that has ever been done by any one firm in Cross County. This partnership was dissolved in 1886, and our subject became sole proprietor, and in 1887 he bought the interest of J. W.Killough, of that well-known mercantile firm of Killough & Erwin of Vanndale, and since January 1, 1889, has been sole proprietor of this establishment also. He has a large and well-selected stock of general merchandise, amounting to about $10,000, and he commands a large and consistently improving trade. He is quite extensively engaged in buying and shipping cotton, and is an enterprising and wonderfully successful young businessman, and is courteous, pleasant and cheerful, a leading spirit in the commercial affairs of the county. He is quite an active politician, and is always found at the polls on election day. Socially he belongs to Arcadia Lodge No. 183, of the A. F. & A. M., at Vanndale,and he also belongs to the K. of H. and the K. & L. of H. December 28,1874, he was married to Mrs. Hester C. (Hamilton) Perry, a daughter of J. G. Hamilton, a member of the firm of D. Block & Co. They have had five children: Herman (attending school at the Christian Brothers' College of Memphis), Felix, Nina, David and Mary (who died in infancy). | BLOCK ROBERT LEE CROSS CO. | Robert Lee Block, county school examiner, of Cross County, Ark., was born in 1866, about sixteen miles northeast of Vanndale, being the youngest child born to Maurice and Anna Block [see sketch]. At the age of six years he was taken by his parents to Wittsburg, where he received the benefits of the schools of that place for eight years. The three following years he spent in the Christian Brothers' Institute in Memphis, and, being of a studious turn of mind and very industrious, he succeeded in acquiring an excellent education, and graduated from that institution as an A. B. in June,1884. His first start in life for himself was in the capacity of clerk in a drug store, at Jonesboro, where he continued to remain until September 28,1884, after which he went to Springfield, Mo., to accept a position as cashier and bookkeeper for Priest & King, remaining with them until August,1885. His next position was as bill clerk with the Springfield Grocery Company, and after continuing in their employ until May, 1886, he went to Memphis and became store clerk for Robson, Block & Co., remaining with them until October 12, 1886, when failing health compelled him to seek change of employment. From that time until January 16, 1887, he was an employee of Buck & Trexler, at Crawfordsville, Ark., and then worked for C. O. Richards& Co., as commissary clerk on the Memphis branch of the Iron Mountain Railroad. On June 10, 1887, the work on the west end of the road was finished, and the day following he became bookkeeper and clerk for William M. Block, real-estate agent at Vanndale, and with him still remains. January12, 1889, he was appointed county school examiner, and since filling this position has striven to raise the grade of teachers and the standard of schools by recommending only those who hold the higher grade certificates, and the excellent education which he has eminently fits him for this responsible place. Being enterprising and ambitious to rise in the world, he, in part-nership with E. L. Applewhite, on September 9, 1889, started a stock farm on a tract of 700 acres of land, they being joint owners of the same, which they stocked with 180 head of cattle, one-half Norman horse, seven brood mares, four horses, two Kentucky jacks and eight mules. They have recently put up twenty-five tons of hay, for winter use, besides 1,000 bushels of corn, and,as can readily be seen, are admirably equipped to keep their stock in good condition throughout the winter. They have seventy acres planted in rye, timothy and clover for spring pasture. Mr. Block belongs to an old and influential family of the county, and has five brothers, all prosperous and intelligent men, and, like himself, are progressive and enterprising in their views. | BLOCK SOLOMON CROSS CO. | Sol. Block, senior member of the firm of Block & Ralph, merchants and planters, at Bay Ridge, Ark., is a native of Baden, Germany, where his birth occurred in 1827. He was educated in the common schools and under a private tutor, until about twenty-one years of age, when he came to the United States (1849). Here he engaged in business for himself in the State of Illinois, remained there until about 1860, when he moved to St. Louis and there engaged in the insurance business (life, fire andaccident). After residing in that city for about ten years he removed to Memphis, where he followed the same business for about the same length of time. In 1878 he came to Forrest City, Ark., was engaged as bookkeeper for two years, and then, after making a trip to Europe, returned to Chicago, where he made his home for several years and was engaged in the insurance business. Later he returned to St. Louis, where he embarked in the cigar and tobacco business, continuing until 1886, when he came to Cross County, Ark., and in company with J. Ralph, erected a fine store-house on the farm, which had recently been purchased by Mr. Raphaelski, and which Block & Ralph manage. This farm embraces a tract of 1,400 acres of land and at one time was valuable property, but had been allowed to rundown and needed everything in the way of improvement. They at once began to make extensive improvements, soon had 500 acres under cultivation, some of which they cleared from the timber. They rebuilt the dwelling, erected a large brick stable and a first-class cotton-gin, saw and grist mill. This gin and mill is the best in the county, costing about $8,000. Theyhave an engine of sixty-five horse power and can gin twenty-five bales ofcotton, and saw 20,000 feet of lumber per day. The lumber is shipped to St. Louis. In the store, they keep a full line of general merchandise, buy and ship cotton and all country produce. They carry a stock of goods valued at $6,000 and have a rapidly increasing trade. Mr. Block was married, in 1863, to Miss Amelia Raphaelski, of English and German parentage. She was born in Liverpool, England, and came to the United Stated with her parents in childhood. Mr. Jacob Ralph, Mr. Block's partner, was born in Memphis, is still a young man, and was in business in Chicago for a short time. he was married, in 1886, to Miss May Bronson, and the fruits of this union have been one child, a daughter named Mabel. This large farm is one of the prettiest as well as the most valuable to be found in this part of the country, and by it may be seen what can be accomplished when the right steps are taken and a proper amount of energy is brought to bear. | BLOCK WILLIAM M. CROSS CO. | William M. Block, the present efficient and esteemed deputy treasurer of Cross County, and real-estate dealer at Vanndale, was born on the place known as the Bond Farm, in Poinsett (now Cross) County, about eight miles northeast of Vanndale, March 9, 1853, being the third son in a family of eight children born to Maurice and Anna (Woubilman) Block. He was educated in the common schools of this county, and in 1871-72 attended the Tipton County high school, at Covington, Tenn., subsequently taking a course in 1872-73 at the University of Mississippi at Oxford. Upon his return home in September, 1873, Mr. Block was appointed deputy county clerk, under Thomas O. Fitzpatrick, which office he creditably held until the following March, when he became engaged in the livery business at Wittsburg, and the following November was again appointed deputy clerk under James N. Dobson. In this position he served until the death of Mr. Dobson in December 1875, at which time he was appointed deputy collector of taxes, under James M. Levesque, remaining so occupied until the following June. Mr. Block engaged in his present business as real-estate agent and abstractor of titles, in June, 1876, and has made and owns the only set of abstract books in Cross County. On May 19, 1880, he was appointed clerk of Cross County, to fill an unexpired term, and also has held office as justice of the peace for six years, having been a notary public the same length of time. The abstracts of Mr. Block's are a model of neatness, by which the transfers of title, and all liens affecting the title of any property in the county can be readily found. He owns considerable property in this and adjoining counties, and also a fine residence in Vanndale, and has no superior as a thoroughly posted man on the real-estate of this county. Mr. Block was married on December 18, 1878, to Miss Alice Austell. The are the parentsof three children. | BOETZKES J. M. -REV. PHILLIPS CO. | Rev. J. M. Boetzkes, rector of St. Mary's Church, at Helena, Ark., was born in Prussia, Germany, and received his edncation at Muenster University, Westphalia, from which institution he was graduated in 1855, and was ordained subdeacon September 8 of the same year. The following year he embarked to America, taking passage at Havre, France, and landed at New York City after a two weeks' ocean voyage, and came directly to St. Louis, where he was ordained descon a few months after his arrival. On September 8, 1856, he was ordained a priest of the Catholic Church, and during the late Civil War was in the service for some time in Scott County, Mo., acting as chaplain. Here he built a stone church, which was demolished during the latter part of the war. He was in the hospital service in St. Louis for about a year, and in 1865 returned to Europe, but a few months later came back to the United States and settled in the city of Philadelphia, where he occupied a position in the diocese until 1875, at which time he came to Helena, Ark. Here he was the means of erecting a fine brick church at a cost of $12,000, and on July 21, 1889, it was dedicated, the corner-stone being laid July 22, 1888. The convent at Heleua has been built several years, but since Father Boetzkes' arrival he has improved it wonderfully. It is a day and boarding school and is controlled and managed by nine Sisters of Charity who have made it one of the best institutions of the kind in the West. The training includes a comprehensive collegiate course and thoroughly fits a young lady for any position or vocation in life, the branches taught being music, the languages, all branches of mathematics, chemistry, botany, calisthanics, etc. The building is beautifully situated and commands a view of the Mississippi River, as well as the surrounding country and the grounds are tastefully laid out with magnolia and other shade trees. | BONNER CHARLES L. PHILLIPS CO. | Charles L. Bonner, son of Charles S. Bonner, one of the pioneer settlers of this county, was born on his present place of residence in Phillips County, in 1862. His father was a native of Tennessee, as was also his mother, whose maiden name was Miss Margaret J. Gamble, and the former came to Phillips County, Ark., in 1835, when there were very few settlers. His father bought land on Big Creek, but in 1844 Charles S. purchased the place on which his son Charles L. is now residing, and which at that time consisted of 160 acres of land. He and wife were the parents of eight children, five of whom are now living: Nettie (widow of T. N. Conley), B. F., Chellie J. (wife of John W. Terry), C. L. and Loutie L. (a teacher in the Galloway Female College of Searcy, Ark.). The eldest child, Sallie E. (deceased, was the wife of W. S. Ferrill). She left one child, Charles. The father of these children died in 1876, but the mother is still living, and makes her home with her son Charles L. The latter received a good common-school education in Phillips County, and at the age of nineteen years began work for himself as a farmer, having followed this occupation the principal part of the time since. He was also engaged in the saw-mill business for some time. In 1888 he was married to Miss Sallie Allison, of Phillips County, and of the city of Helena. The maternal grandfather of Charles L. Bonner was among the early settlers of Eastern Tennessee, and was in the wars with the Indians in that section of the country. He came to Phillips County in 1840, where he resided until his death in 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Bonner and Mr. Bonner's mother are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. | BONNER EDWARD ST.FRANCIS CSA-CO.G-Fifth South Carolina Regiment-Civil War | Edward Bonner was born in Spartanburg, District, S.C., in 1841, being the son of Andrew and Louisa Bonner, also natives of that state. Young Edward remained in the vicinity of his birthplace until grown to manhood, receiving but limited advantages for an education, and attending school only a portion of each year. When nineteen years of age he assumed charge of his father's farm, and after the latter's death remained with his mother conducting the business in a most satisfactory manner. When twenty years old he enlisted in the Confederate Army in Company G, Fifth South Carolina Regiment under, Captain Carpenter, commanded by Col.Jenkins, and participated in the first battle of Manassas, but being taken ill shortly thereafter, he was detailed to manage the Magnetic iron works, located at Cherokee Ford, S.C. This was one of the most important branches of industry in connection with the Southern cause. Mr.Bonner remained in this position until the close of the war, after which he commenced business as a merchant at Limestone Springs, S.C. After one year, at his mother's earnest solicitation, he returned to her home and resumed control of her extensive business. In 1869 he was married to Miss Julia G., daughter of Elijah and Julia (Ray) Harris, and their marriage has been blessed with three interesting children:Edward L., Carl Ray and Erma. The oldest child, Edward is a promising young man, and bids fair to be a leader among men, standing intellectually far above the average, a young man whose example is worthy of imitation. Mr.Bonner moved to St.Francis Co. in 1984, locating in Forrest City, and four years later was appointed postmaster at that place, serving in that capacity for five years, and also as agent for the Southern Express Company. The change of administration in 1883, or President Garfield's reign, caused his removal from the position of postmaster. Since leaving the office Mr.Bonner has been merchandising, and at present managing the co-operative store at Forrest City inaugurated by the people for their benefit. The stock is valued at $45,000 and under his efficient control is rapidly increasing in value, and is one of the city's leading enterprises. In politics our subject is a Democrat, and in religious belief a Baptist, as is also his wife. Mr.Bonner is a liberal contributor to all charitable movements, and, in fact, every act that betokens the good or growth of the county finds him a staunch supporter. Previous to the war his parents were quite wealthy, but the ravages incident to that period robbed them of nearly everything, their land being about all that they possessed. The paternal grandfather was a native of Virginia, born near Petersburg, but afterward moving to South Carolina, died there at the age of sixty three. The maternal grandfather was Joseph Camp, of South Carolina nativity, who was called to his final home at an advanced age. Mrs.Bonner's father was Rev.Elijah Ray, a Baptist minister of South Carolina. Her mother's father, Col.William Washington Harris, a native of North Carolina, was a soldier in the War of 1812, serving as Colonel in the volunteer service, and died at the age of eighty-eight years. He was one of the first settlers of Spartanburg, S.C. CITY CEMETERY | BONNER GEORGE W. USARMY-TAYLOR'S DIVISION-MEXICAN WAR LEE CO.-page 575 | George W. Bonner, who is one of the most successful farmers in Spring Creek Township, has been a resident of this county since 1869. He is a native of Tennessee, and the son of Williamson and Maria (Reddith) Bonner, originally from Virginia and North Carolina, respectively. Mr. Bonner was a man of considerable education, and for a number of years followed the occupation of school-teaching, during his latter days being recognized as a public man of considerable importance. For many years he was an elder in the Presbyterian Church. He was a soldier in the War of 1812. John Bouner, his father, a Virginian by birth, and a farmer and mechanic by occupation, lived to the age of eighty years. He participated in the Revolutionary War. Mrs. Bonner was the daughter of Aquilla Reddith, a native of North Carolina, who lived in that State until his death, at the age of ninety years. The subject of this sketch was born in Wilson County, Tenn., in 1828, but his early boyhood was spent in Shelby County, where his father had moved in 1882. He learned the carpenter's trade in youth, and followed that occupation for thirty years, but since that time has been engaged in farming. During the Mexican War he served seven months in Taylor's division. In 1869, moving to Arkansas, Mr. Bonner settled in what was then a part of Phillips (now Lee) County, and three years later located on the farm [p.575] which he has since occupied. He was married, in 1854, to Miss Oliva A. F. Mason, who died nine years after their marriage, leaving four children, one of whom, Williamson E., only is living. Mr. Bonner was later married to Miss Mary E. Newsom, in 1865, a daughter of David Newsom, of Virginia. She was the mother of seven children at the time of her death, in 1881, six of whom are living: David T., George W., Charles Henry J., Carra A., Claudius H. and Fredonia L. He married his third and present wife, Mrs. Elizabeth J. Robertson (nee Tiller), daughter of Benjamin and Ann Tiller, natives of Alabama, in 1882. Mr. Bonner owns a farm of eighty acres, and has about fifty acres under cultivation, giving his attention to stock raising to a large extent. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which he has belonged for over forty years, and of which he has been a local minister for fifteen years. He has also been a member of the Masonic fraternity for thirty-nine years. A Democrat in polities, he takes an active interest in enterprises for the good of the community, to all of which he contributes largely, and is considered one of the leading farmers of Lee County. | BONNER JOHN USARMY-REVOLUTIONARY WAR LEE CO.-page 575 | SEE GEORGE W.BONNER | BONNER R. S. CSA-CO.A-Thirteenth Arkansas Infantry-Gen. Tappan-Civil War PHILLIPS CO. | R. S. Bonner, carpenter, Poplar Grove, Ark. Were it necessary for us to include in the sketch of Mr. Bonner's life any items pertaining to his ability and skill as a builder, perhaps the greatest [p.751] compliment that could be paid him would be to point out those monnments of his handiwork, which now grace so many of the homesteads in this portion of the State. He was born in Alabama, in 1844, and is the fifth of ten children, the result of the union of Thomas T. and Elizabeth (Schackel. ford) Bonner, the father a native of North Carolina, and the mother of Alabama. Thomas T. Bonner was a carpenter and ginwright by trade, and came to Alabama when a young man. He was there married to Miss Schackelford in 1834, and of the ten children born to this union, five are now living: R. S., J. C., W. H., E. C. and R. K. Mr. Bonner was a member of the I. O. O. F., and was a much-respected citizen. He died on December 31, 1849, and the mother died in 1871. The maternal grandfather, John L. Schackelford, was a native of the Old Dominion, and moved to Alabama at an early day. His death occurred in Phillips County (now Lee County) in 1863, at the age of seventy-nine years. He was a soldier in the War of 1812. His wife died in 1874, at the age of eighty-five years. R. S. Bonner came to Arkansas in 1856, received his education in this State and Alahama, and at the age of sixteen years, or in 1861, enlisted in Company A, Thirteenth Arkansas Infantry, under Capt. Tappan (afterward Gen. Tappan), in what was known as Tappan's guards. He served in Gen. Bragg's command and was engaged in quite a number of battles, prominent among which were: Belmont, Corinth, Shiloh, Richmond, Perryville, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Murfreesboro and Bell Buckle Station. He was captured close to Atlanta, in 1864, was confined at Rock Island, III., for four months, after which he was exchanged and returned to Arkansas. Later he served in Capt. Westherly's company. He surrendered in 1865, and afterward engaged in farming on rented land in Phillips County, until 1876. He then bought his present place, at that time consisting of forty acres, principally wood land, and to this he has added eighty acres, with 100 acres under cultivation. However he devotes the greater part of his time to carpenter work and is the only contractor at this place, doing a large amount of building. His marriage occurred in October, 1869, to Miss Jennie Allison, who bore him seven children, two only now living: Hettie R. and Mamie L. Five died while small. Mrs. Bonner died in 1881. She was a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In October, 1883, Mr. Bonner married Miss Mamie Allison, a sister of his first wife, and they have two children: Olivett and Eveline H. | BONNER WILLIAMSON USARMY-WAR OF 1812 LEE CO.-page 575 | SEE GEORGE W.BONNER | BOWDON FRANCIS M. LEE CO.-page 575 | Francis M. Bowdon is a native of Tennessee, and a son of Thomas and Parmelia (Jenkins) Bowdon, natives of South Carolina. The father was engaged in farming in Western Tennessee for a number of years, and move from there to Landerdale County, Ala., when our subject was a small boy, there acting as deputy sheriff. In 1841 he went to De Soto County, Miss., and remained eight years, then coming to Arkansas and locating in Lee County, where he bought timbered land and cleared up a good farm. He was a prominent politician of his community, holding the office of justice of the peace in Mississippi and also in this county. He died in Evanston, Ind., while on a trip to Lexington, Ky. He and wife were members of the Baptist Church, and were the parents of eleven children, three of whom are still living: Benjamin F. (a farmer of Randolph County, Ark.), Columbia (wife of John J. Felton, a farmer of this county) and Francis M. The latter, the principal of this sketch, and the eldest of those now living, was born in Bedford County, Tenn., on May 23, 1827. He was married in 1855 to Miss Caroline Elders, a native of Mississippi, who died in 1862, leaving four children, one son, H. J., being the only one living, and who now has charge of his father's farm. Marish Gilbert became his next wife, but died three years after without issue. Mr. Bowdon was married again to Miss Mollie Arnold, in 1867, who was the mother of three children: Ethel B., Francis M. and James L. He married Melvina. Bertran, a native of this county, in 1869. Mr. Bowdon owns 580 acres in the county, 300 acres in the farm on which he lives, 150 acres in a good state of cultivation and well improved. All this he has made himself, by hard work and close economy. | BOYKIN DAVID W. CSA-ARMY-Discharge in 1865, at Appomattox Court-House, Va-Civil War LEE CO.-page 575 | David W. Boykin, son of Edwin and Elizabeth J. Boykin, was born in Smithfield, N. C., in August, 1839. He was educated at Trinity College, of that State, and enlisted in the Confederate army in 1862, receiving his discharge in 1865, at Appomattox Court-House, Va. In September, 1866, he removed to Arkansas and settled in Marianna, Lee County, then Phillips County, where he was for several years employed as book-keeper and salesman in a general dry-goods and grocery business. Mr. Boykin has now been living upon a fine and productive farm in Lee County, owned by his brother, Edwin A. Boykin, and himself, and is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He has been twice married; first, to Miss Agnes Snead, of Smithfield, N. C.; next, to Mrs. Joanna M. Saunders, of Brownsville, Tenn. Mr. Boykin is of Irish descent | BRADFORD WILLIAM S.-DR. LEE CO.-page 576 | William S. Bradford, M. D., prominently identified with the professional affairs of this section, owes his nativity to Tennessee, being a son of John W. and Emily (Nuckols) Bradford, also originally from that State. The Bradfords are an old family, and can trace their ancestors back to the time of their arrival in the Mayflower. William S. Bradord, the only son in a family of three children, was born in Hardeman County, Tenn., February 11, 1859. He spent his early life on the farm, and at the age of sixteen commenced clerking in a store in that county, becoming, when eighteen, proprietor of a grocery, in which business he was engaged [p.576] for two years. During that time he studied medicine, and the next year attended a course of lectures at Vanderbilt College. He subsequently turned his attention to traveling, and was employed by a publishing company for eighteen months in selling their publications through Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky and Tennessee. In the spring of 1882 he went to Parker County, Tex., where he was engaged in the practice of medicine for a short time. Returning to Tennessee, he followed his profession in Hardeman County one year, and in the winter of 1883-84 attended a course of lectures at Vanderbilt College, from which he graduated in March, 1884. He then came to Arkansas and located in Lee County, where he has since been successfully occupied in the duties of his adopted calling. Dr. Bradford was married on December 2, 1885, to Miss Ida F. Halton, of Nevada County, Ark. They have one son, Wiley E. Dr. Bradford has a large and lucrative practice, and is highly thought of by the citizens of Lee County. He is a member of the Knights of Honor, and also of the Lee County Medical Association, and of the State Medical Society, having represented his county in the spring of 1888 at Fort Smith. | BRAME JAMES T. CSA-CO.A-First Virginia Regiment-Civil War PHILLIPS CO. | James T. Brame. About four generations ago, three sons named Brame, who lived in England, their native country, separated, one remaining at [p.752] home, another going to Canada, and the third coming to America, choosing for his residence the State of Virginia. From this son, James T. Brame, the subject of this sketch, is a direct descendant. James T. Brame was born in Virginia November 26, 1848 and is the son of James H. Brame, a celebrated profeasor, for many years connected with the prominent colleges of Virginia, but is now retired. He is the son of Thomas Brame, and was born in Mecklenburgh County, Va., in 1816. James H. Brame was married in 1847 to Miss Martha Baptist, born in Virginia in 1826, and a daughter of Richard H. Baptist. Mr. Baptist was a prominent politician, having served as State senator for sixteen years, and was filling that position at the date of his death. He was an uncle of Gen. A. P. Hill. Mrs. Baptist's maiden name was Sally Goode, she being a daughter of Dr. Thomas Goode, of Virginia. James T., our subject, was one of eight children, five sons and three daughters, born to his parents. He was reared in Virginia, and at the age of fifteen years enlisted in the Confederate army, Company A, First Virginia Regiment, and served until the surrender of Gen. Lee. At the battle of Stanton River Bridge he received a slight wound, that being the only time he was injured, notwithstanding that he was always in the thick of some of the most important engagements. At the age of twenty-one he left his native home and came to Arkansas, locating in Phillips (now Lee) County, at Council Bend. He chose the independent occupation of farming, which has been his work ever since, and has resided on his present farm since 1881, under his careful management it being second to none in the county. It consists of 400 acres, nearly all cultivated. Mr. Brame also oversees and cultivates 1,000 acres. In January, 1875, he was married in Memphis, Tenn., to Miss Anna J. Peters, who was born in Camden, Ark., in 1855, and the daughter of John B. Peters. He was of Tennessee birth, but came to Arkansas at an early date, and died during the war. Mrs. Peters was Miss Paralee Jackson, of Florence County, Ala. To Mr. and Mrs. Brame three children have been born: Ellen G., Mary P. and Anna. Mr. Brame is a member of the K. of P. and A. L. of H., and in his political views is a Democrat, though not an enthusiast, his first presidential vote having been cast for Samuel J. Tilden. Mr. Brame and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. | BRASHER ELBRIDGE GERRY CSA-ARMY-COLONELKILLED AT THE BATTLE OF SHELBYVILLE, KY.-CIVIL WAR LEE CO.-page 577 | SEE T.J.BRASHER | BRASHER T. J. -DR. CSA-CO.D.-Hindman's Legion-1ST LT.-CIVIL WAR LEE CO.-page 577 | Dr. T. J. Brasher. An undeniable truth is that the life of any man, temperately lived, is of great benefit to the community in which he resides, when all his efforts are directed to advancing its interests, and whose career is according to the higher principles of what he conceives to be right, helping others and caring for those who are unable to do for themselves. Such a man is Dr. Brasher. Born in Christian County, Ky., on November 1, 1835, he is a son of Alexander and Margaret (Brown) Brasher, natives of Kentucky and North Carolina, respectively. The father's birth occurred in the year 1811, and during life he was engaged in that most important occupation to Kentuckians, the breeding and rearing of fine blooded horses. Being a wide-awake and prominent man, he took an active part in politics, and for many years filled the offices of probate judge and justice of the peace. He belonged to the Christian Church, and was a Mason of high degree. To him and wife were born a family of seven children, as follows: Alonzo W. (a prominent practicing physician of Hopkins County, Ky.), Rachel (the widow of Dr. T. A. Yarrell, of Kentucky), the immediate subject of this sketch, Melissa (wife of Dr. James M. Long, of Crofton, Ky.), William A., M. D. (killed at the battle of Franklin, Tenn.), Elbridge Gerry (a colonel in the Confederate army, who was killed at the battle of Shelbyville, Ky.) and Altazera (wife of David Wooldridge, a wealthy ranchman of Oregon). T. J. Brasher grew to manhood in Hopkins County, of the Blue Grass State, and after receiving a thorough practical education in the subordinate schools, took a classical course at Georgetown College, and later a medical course in the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, Ohio, which graduated him with honors at the age of twenty-one years. After practicing his profession in the neighborhood of his nativity for about five years, he removed to Arkansas, in 1860, and located in Lee County, a portion of which at that time belonged to Monroe County. He was not long permitted to follow his peaceful pursuits, but in 1861 enrolled his services for the Confederate cause, and was made a first lieutenant in Company D. of Hindman's Legion. He participated in the engagements of Shiloh, Perryville, Franklin, Clarksville, Uniontown, and many other hotly contested battles, and in the first and two last mentioned actions received severe wounds. Because of these injuries he was rendered unfit for further active military duty, but on account of his recognized ability and worth, was appointed under Jefferson Davis, to a position in the secret service of the treasury department of the Confederate States. This important position he filled with credit to himself and honor to the cause, displaying great adaptability to the important duties devolved upon him. The year following the end of the great conflict, Dr. Brasher wedded Miss Nannie L. Edwards, a native of Tennessee, and a daughter of Charles A. Edwards. One daughter, Kate A. (the wife of James M. Maclin, of the firm of P. E. Northern & Co., of Marianna), is the result of this union. Since being a resident of Arkansas, the Doctor has practiced his profession, farmed and merchandised, and in a financial way, as well as otherwise, has made his life a success. His portrait appropriately graces this volume. In addition to his other interests he has found time to enter quite actively into literary pursuits, contributing frequently to all local newspapers. He has also attained to considerable reputation as a writer upon romance, the woodpecker, squirrel, dog, highland terrapin, opossum, etc., these articles being widely copied throughout the Southern States. | BRASHER WILLIAM A.- DR. CSA-ARMY-KILLED AT THE BATTLE OF FRANKLIN,TENN.-CIVIL WAR LEE CO.-page 577 | SEE T.J.BRASHER | BRICKELL NICHOLAS CSA-CO.G-Col. Wilcoxson's Regiment of State cavairy PHILLIPS CO. | Nicholas Brickell, undertaker, Poplar Grove, Ark. There are few branches of business, if any, that require more consideration and sympathetic feeling than that of the undertaker. Their services are only called under the most trying circumstances that can befall a family or friends, and the utmost tact, coupled with decision and perfect, unostentatious knowledge of the business, is required. In these points Mr. Nicholas Brickell is well-grounded by nature and experience. He was born in Surry County, N. C., in 1824, and is the eldest of five children born to the union of J. B. and Frances (Harrison) Brickell, the father a native of South Carolina, and the mother of North Carolina. J. B. Brickell was a cabinet workman, and always followed that trade after his marriage. Previous to that, however, he had followed merchandising. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, having joined while quite young. He was married in 1822, and of the five children born to his union, five are now living: Nicholas, D. C. (is a manufacturer of carriages in Atlanta, Ga.), Mathias (died in White County, Ark., and his family reside in that county), Andrew J. (resides in Tennessee), and Emma (wife of E. A. Peal, of North Carolina). Mr. Brickell died in 1850. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity. Mrs. Brickell died in 1870, and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Nicholas Brickell passed his yonthful days and received his education inhis native county, where, in later years, he learned the cabinet-maker's trade. He began working at his trade at the age of twenty-one years, and continued the same in North Carolina until 1846, when, in December of that year, he moved to Georgia, settling where Palmetto now stands, and followed the furniture business. This he continued until 1856, when he moved to Franklin, Heard County, Ga., and there followed the same business. In 1870 he moved to Trenton, Big Creek Township, Phillips County, Ark., remained there until 1871, when [p.753] he moved into the country, and farmed on rented land for three years. In 1875 he moved to his present place of residence, and here built his shop and house, besides two stors houses, and has forty acres of land well improved. He was married December 2, 1847, to Miss Martha A. Sanders, daughter of Joel and Fannie (Harris) Sanders, natives, respectively, of North Carolina. Mr. and Mrs. Sanders became the parents of eight children, five now living: G. H., John, Martha A. (wife of Mr. Brickell), Margaret (widow of John Edwards, who was killed at the second battle of Manasses), and Mary. All, with one exception, residing in Georgia, whither the father had moved when his children were quite small. Mr. Sanders died in 1849, and his widow in 1856, Mrs. Brickell was born February 4, 1830, and by her marriage to Mr. Brickell became the mother of ten children, seven now living: T. J. (resides at Brinkley, Monroe County, Ark.), John C. (deceased), Georgia R. (wife of J. H. Miller, of Holly Grove, Ark.), C. W. (resides in Clarendon, Monroe County), W. P. (resides in Phillips County), J. B. (resides at Helena), Martha A. (wife of J. J. Raleigh, of Poplar Grove), Robert L., C. W. (of Clarendon, who was State senator from that senatorial district, and T. J. (who is a local minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church at Brinkley). In 1861 Mr. Brickell joined the State service in Company G, Col. Wilcoxson's regiment of State cavairy, and was in the State service for six months. He only served a short time in the regular service, being detailed to stay at home and work at his trade, making spinning wheels and looms for making cloth. Mr. Brickell is a demitted member of the Masonic fraternity, Chattahoochee Lodge No. 61, and he and wife are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, of this place. He favors all improvements for the good of the county, and extends a hearty welcome to all white immigration. He and his wife are the grandparents of thirteen children. | BRILEY JESSE LEE CO.-page 579 | Jesse Briley came to Arkansas in the fall of 1851, first locating in St. Francis County, and later in Lee County, being employed as a farm hand for seven or eight years. In 1859 he bought a quarter section of land, on which he lived until the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted in the Thirteenth Arkansas Infantry, but was soon after transferred to the Second Arkansas Cavalry, serving in Price's raid through Missouri. After the war he returned to his farm, which he found badly dilapidated, and was obliged to start from the bottom of the ladder, but has been very successful, now owning 700 acres of land, with 400 acres under cultivation. Besides this he owns a house and lot at Haynes, and is a stockholder in the Haynes Mercantile Company. Mr. Briley was born in North Carolina, in 1834, and was married in 1859, to Miss Emma Daniel. They are the parents of four children: Sallie, Laniar, Katie and Ida. He is a member of the Masonic order, and also of the Knights of Honor. He is a Democrat in politics, and is well known and highly respected as a citizen. | BRITTAIN JOHN A. CSA-CO.C. Dobbins' Regiment-Civil War-Civil War LEE CO.-page 580 | John A. Brittain is a progressive agriculturist and stockman of Union Township, Lee County, Ark., but was born in Franklin County, Tenn, in 1828, being the eldest of four children born to James and Frances (Stoveall) Brittain, who were also Tennesseeans. The family first came to St. Francis County, Ark., in 1845, and here Mr. Brittain purchased a farm on which a few improvements had been made, it being situated about one-half mile from Forrest City, which was then called Mt. Vernon. He lived in this settlement until his death April 9, 1849. He had been married twice, his first wife being the mother of our subject, but she died in 18*6, and of her four children three are yet living: John A., Susan (wife of Abram Noah, resides in Texas) and Frances (the widow of Rufus Williams, lives in Tennessee). Benjamin died in 1881, and his family still reside in Lee County. After the death of his first wife Mr. Brittain was married, in 1838, to Miss Annie Staples, of Tennessee, and the three children which were born to them are now deceased: Martha A. was the wife of Aaron G. McDaniels, and died in 1867, and the other two died in infancy. Mrs. Brittain died in September, 1844. John A. Brittain remained in the county of his birth, acquiring there a fair education, until 1845, when he came to this State with his father, and, after assisting him on the farm until he was twenty-one years of age, he followed clerking for a short while. Since that time he has followed the life of a farmer, and in 1851 purchased a portion of the farm on which he now resides, then consisting of forty acres. Very few improvements had at that time been made upon it, but he has since erected buildings, fences, etc., and now has his farm in a splendid condition for agricultural purposes. He has added 120 acres and has eighty acres under the plow. Cotton and corn are among his main products, but he also gives much of his attention to the propagation of stock. He was married in 1849 to Miss Mary McDaniel, a native of Arkansas, born in 1835. She has lived in three counties in this State, without having moved. She was born in Phillips County, which afterward became St. Francis County, and is now Lee County. She is a daughter of Archibald G. and Mary (Davis) McDaniel, who were born in Kentucky and moved to Arkansas in 1828, being among the first settlers of Phillips County, Mr. McDaniel being also one of the first postmasters in this portion of the State, a position he held until 1857. He and wife became the parents of thirteen children, eleven of whom lived to be over fourteen years of age, only two of whom are now living: Mary (Mrs. Brittain) and Harriett (the widow of Robert Shell). Mrs. McDaniel died in 1869. An uncle of Mrs. Brittain's, John Calvert, was one of the first settlers of this region, and was a soldier in the War of 1812. Her mother came from Kentucky to Arkansas via Memphis, Tenn., [p.580] which at that time was only a camp, said to be one of the camps of the noted bandit Murrell. Mr. and Mrs. Brittain are the parents of ten children, G. B., Robert McD., Mary W., M. L., and Eliza A. being the only ones living. A. T. died at the age of twenty years, and J. B. when twenty-four years of age. In 1864 Mr. Brittain joined the Confederate army, becoming a member of Company C, Dobbins' Regiment, and was with Gen. Price through Missouri, and was in the battles of Pilot Knob, Lexington, and in numerous skirmishes. He was paroled in June, 1865, at Wittsburg,Ark. He and wife are worthy members of society and his wife is a member of the Methodist Church. | BROADLEY WILLIAM J. LEE CO.-page 580 | William J. Broadley is a son of Samuel W. Broadley, a native of Liverpool, England, whose father, Ferrell Broadley, also came originally from England, being proprietor of the "Fax Hall Spinning Company;" of the interests of that concern, still extensive and profitable, our subject is one of the heirs. Samuel Broadley came to America in 1849, a few years after his marriage, and was occupied in the mercantile business in the State of New York the following year. He then took the "gold fever" and went to California, leaving his family in New York, and engaged in the mining of the precious metal until 1853, when he was killed by an accident in a mine in which he was working. He was married in Liverpool to Miss Phobe Covington, a native of that country and a daughter of Frederick Covington, a merchant, and, at the time of his death, at an advanced age, a man of considerable means. Mrs. Broadley is still living and a resident of New Orleans. She also has a brother in this country, a member of the firm of Covington & Co., of Salt Lake City. Of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Broadley, five are still living: Ida (wife of Frank S. Snell, a prominent real estate agent and broker of Denver, Colo.), Alice M. (wife of a Mr. Patton, a merchant of Memphis, Tenn.), William T. (an attorney of New Orleans), Henry J. (who is in the employ of the Government as a chemist) and William J. (the principal of this sketch). The latter was born in Steuben County, N. Y., in 1852. After his father's death his mother moved from New York, going to several places, and finally, in 1862, to Memphis, Tenn., where they lived one year; later she became located at New Orleans and still lives there. Mr. Broadley learned the trade of a machinist when a young man, at which he worked in different States, but finally settled in Lee County, where he was employed at his chosen occupation until 1887. Then he purchased his present farm, and has since turned his attention to farming. He was married, in 1879, to Miss Lorena O'Kelley, a daughter of Overton and Mary O'Kelley, natives of Alabama and Georgia, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Broadley have four children: Frederick C., Charles O., Ida L. and William S. (now deceased). Mr. Broadley owns a fine farm of 440 acres, with nearly 300 acres under cultivation, and is engaged in raising stock. He and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. He is a Democrat in politics, and is a prominent man of Spring Creek Township. He belongs to no secret societies, but before entering the agricultural list of Lee County, belonged to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. | BROOKS SAMUEL H. USARMY-Second Tennessee Federal Troops-Col.Curry-Civil War PHILLIPS CO. | Hon. Samuel H. Brooks. Since locating in this county in 1866 Mr. Brooks has enjoyed the reputation of being not only a substantial and progressive farmer, but an intelligent and thoroughly posted man in all public affairs as well. He was born in Philadelphia, Penn., October 17, 1839, and is a son of John and Amelia (Fletcher) Brooks, the former a native of Bristol, Penn., and the latter of London, England. John Brooks was a merchant by occupation, and died in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1840, at the untimely age of thirty-one years. His widow afterward married Jacob B. Furrow, of Piqua, Ohio, who followed merchandising until his death in 1884. His widow survives him, and is an earnest and devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. She was a child of six years when brought by her parents to the United States, and their location was made at Philadelphia, Penn., where their death occurred many years later. Mr. and Mrs. Brooks became the parents of two children; Samuel H., and Thomas P., who died in Cincinnati in 1885, being county recorder of Hamilton County at the time of his decease. Samuel H. Brooks was educated in the schools of Saint Paris, Ohio, and at the age of fourteen years left home to become a salesman in a hardware store at Piqua, Ohio, but two years later he turned his attention to the railroad business, and was ticket agent at that point for one year. He next went to Indianspolis, Ind., and became conductor on the old Belfontaine line, which is now known as the Bee line, and after serving in this capacity for about ten years he worked on the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad for a short time. He then (in 1863) joined the Second Tennessee Federal troops, organized at Memphis, Tenn., under Col. Curry, but at the and of one year he went to Mississippi and located in Coahoma County, and a year later came to Phillips County, Ark., where he has since been engaged in planting; and his well established characteristics of energy, perseverance and unbounded industry have brought him safe returns. His neat farm embraces 420 scres, and to this he is enabled to give intelligent management, but he is at present giving the most of his attention to the management of Dr. A. A. Hornor's plantstion of 1,350 acres. He has always been a Democrat in politics, and in 1868 was elected county treasurer, in which capacity he served four years. In 1882 he was chosen to represent Phillips County in the State legislature. In [p.754] 1862 he was united in marriage to Miss Caroline S. Shock, a daughter of Abel Shock, who made the first steam fire-engine in the United States, and discovered the fine copper fields in the region of Lake Superior. He was a native of Pennsylvania, and died in Missouri in 1874. Mrs. Brooks was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, April 28, 1840, and she and Mr. Brooks have one daughter, Amelia A., who made a roll of butter that took the preminm at the Centennial Exhibition at Philadelphia in 1876. Mrs. Brooks is a member of hePresbyterian Church, and Mr. Brooks is a Mason, and belongs to the I. O. O. F. | BROWN JOHN L. PHILLIPS CO. | John L. Brown is a native of this county, and has always resided here. He was educated at the common schools, acquiring a good practical learning and resided with his parents until their death, in 1869, being married to Miss Mary E. Yates, who was born in Mississippi in 1845, and died in 1884. He married his second wife in 1885, formerly Miss Lenora Phillips, of South Carolina origin. Mr. Brown was born on April 24, 1847, a son of Richard Brown, who first saw the light in White County, S. C., in 1800. In 1839 he immigrated from South Carolina to this county, where he purchased a tract of wild land, and at the time of his death, which occurred in 1864, he owned a well-improved farm. His wife was Polly Ann Stumb, who was born in Illinois in 1817, and died in 1851, leaving nine children, five of whom are still living. John L. Brown and wife are the parents of one child, Idalgo S. He owns a farm of 200 acres of land, of which 130 acres are under oultivation. His principal crop is cotton and he raises about forty bales per annum. He is a Democrat in politics, and is a highly respected citizen. | BRUNER JOHN B. CROSS CO. | John B, Bruner was born in Springfield, Ohio, in 1844, and is the fourth of nine children, born to Daniel and Eunice (Bond) Bruner, the father a native of Ohio, and the mother the first female child born in Dunkirk, N. Y.John B. Bruner was reared and attended school in Springfield, Ohio, Jamestown,N. Y. and Meadville, Penn., in all of which places his father was engaged in merchant tailoring. He acquired a good education, and at the age of sixteen years began clerking in a drug store in Dunkirk, and later served in the same capacity in Jamestown, N. Y. and Franklin, Penn. In 1860 he went to the "Hoosier State," and embarked in the lumber business, but after a year or two returned to Jamestown and resumed clerking; after a short time he became dissatisfied with his location and went to Michigan, and served in the same capacity for a grocery firm. In 1871 he went to Memphis, and became a traveling salesman for a liquor house, but discontinued this about four years later and engaged in business for himself. After remaining there about two years he began traveling for a St. Louis firm, remaining with them seven years, purchasing in the meantime, in 1881, a farm of 200 acres, one mile north of Vanndale; 160 acres are under cultivation, and is excellently adapted to raising cotton, corn, grass, etc. He has some thoroughbred Durham cattle, a high grade of Jerseys, and his hogs are a cross between the Berkshire and Poland China. On this farm, in 1887, he erected a fine residence, it being a two story frame, 60x42 feet, containing nine rooms, ornamented by a number of handsome double porches, and presenting a handsome view from the road. He made other improvements in the way of buildings, and has a fine new barn and other substantial outbuildings. His farm is nearly all under fence and he has recently set out over a mile of hedge. He is a thoroughgoing and thrifty farmer, who sees the advantage of raising the best of everything for his family's use, including fruit and berries. With his introduction of blooded stock, new seed grains, different and improved methods of farming, the community will at least have an opportunity of seeing what taste and enterprise, combined with skill and industry, can accomplish. In manner he is agreeable and courteous, and his wife, whose maiden name was Bettie Mansford,and whom he married on February 1, 1875, is an educated and accomplished lady.She was born in Madison County, Tenn., and her father has for a long time been a well-known farmer of Gibson County, and is still residing there. | BRYANT T.D.-REV CROSS CO. CSA-First Regiment of South Carolina Heavy Artillery-Civil War | T. D. Bryant, pastor of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, of Nolton, and a man thoroughly respected by his fellow citizens, is originally from South Carolina, as were also his parents, Joab and Mary (Stewart) Bryant, of Scotch and English descent. Joab Bryant was a leading farmer of his county, and though not educated was a well-informed and a good businessman. Mr. and Mrs. Bryant were married in 1831, and were the parents of twelve children, nine of whom are living: Louisa (now Mrs. Reid), F. A.(a Methodist ministor of Texas), J. R. (also of Texas), Minerva (now Mrs.Hemphis), Elizabeth (who married F. L. Dullard), W. J., J. W., T. D. (our subject), M. L., B. W. (a manufacturer of Mississippi), G. W. (a resident of South America) and Joseph (a resident of this county). The grandfather (on the father's side), James Bryant, was a solder in the War of 1812. Joab Bryant and wife were connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. The senior Bryant died in 1874, and his wife in 1889. He was a Mason. T. D. Bryant was reared to farm life. In his boyhood days the advantages for schooling were very limited, but by close application to study he has educated himself, mostly at home. At the age of fourteen Mr. Bryant enlisted in the Confederate service, joining the First Regiment of Heavy Artillery of South Carolina, which was stationed at Fort Sumpter, and in 1862 joined the regular army; was in a number of hard-fought battles, and witnessed the bombardment of Fort Sumpter on April 7, 1863, and was present at its capitulation. He was captured at Smithfield, but escaping, was recaptured the same night. Mr. Bryant served as orderly and was promoted to sergeant. While in the army he was wounded four times, once in the head by a piece of shell, again on James Island, by a bayonet thrust into his leftside, which entered between the fifth and sixth rib; then again in the knee joint and also in the arm by a bayonet. After the war he returned home and the following year moved to Kentucky, where he engaged in farming in the eastern part of the State and also taught school. In 1867 he removed to Dwyer County, Tenn., where he farmed, following this for two years, then taught for two years in McNairy County, Tenn. He returned to South Carolina and busied himself with farming and teaching for twelve years. In 1882 he removed to Arkansas, settling on his present property, which comprises 120 acres of land, with thirty-five under cultivation. Mr. Bryant was born in 1846. He has been twice married, first in 1866 to Miss N. J. Fitzgerald, of South Carolina, who died in 1871, and who was the mother of three children:George (a resident of this county), Edgar (a resident of South Carolina) andElector (a teacher in South Carolina). Mr. Bryant was married the second time to Miss D. E. Fitzgerald, in 1872. They have been given seven children,all living: Lillie, Joseph, Milas, Lelier, Lulu, Thomas and Talmage. Mr.Bryant began preaching in 1885, three months before joining the presbytery,and he is the founder of the Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church, as well as the Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Woodruff County. Mr. Bryant preaches in Cross, Woodruff, Poinsett and Jackson Counties, and is very active in all religious and educational enterprises. He is a Royal Arch Mason. | BULLARD GEORGE W. LEE CO.-page 581 | George W. Bullard ranks among the leading agriculturists of Lee County, and although he was born in Tennessee in 1853, he has been a resident of Arkansas since he was three years old, at which time his father and mother, George T. and Elizabeth (Curts) Bullard, came here from their native State of Tennessee. They settled in St. Francis County and bought some unimproved land at $5 and $7 per acre, but rented land the first year of his stay. On this farm he resided until his death in 1875, and witnessed many changes in the growth and prosperity of the county as it was a very wild and unsettled region at the time of his locating. During the Civil War he suffered much at the hands of bushrangers who claimed to belong to the Union and Confederate armies, but did not himself serve in either army. Seven of his ten children lived to be grown and five are living at the present time: George W., Mattie J. (wife of John Lindsey), Octavia A. (wife of W. T. Inge), Margaret H. (wife of F. C. Danerhougher) and Alice L. The mother of these children still resides on the old homestead and manages her farm successfully. She is, as was her husband, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and he was a member of Bethel Lodge No. 254, A. F. & A. M. George W. Bullard attended the common schools near his home in his youth and in 1870 entered Abernathy's School in Montgomery County, Tenn., where he acquired a sufficiently good education to fit him for the toils and cares of business life. At the age of twenty-one years he commenced the battle of life for himself but did not leave home until he was married, in 1882, to Miss Ella Davis, she being a daughter of J. P. and Mollie (Jackson) Davis, of Alabama, who came to Arkansas about 1870. She was born in 1865 and is one of two surviving members of their family of three children: Ella, Willie and James, the latter being deceased. Mr. Davis died in 1879 and Mrs. Davis in 1877, both being worthy members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, the former also a member ofthe I. O. O. F. Mr. and Mrs. Bullard have a family of three children: George W. (who was born February 11, 1884, and died Angust 23, 1886), Daisy Lee (born February 1, 1886) and Renben E. (born October 21, 1889). Mr.Bullard owns a fine farm of 240 acres, of which 175 acres are nicely improved with good buildings of all descriptions. He raises annually from sixty to seventy-five bales of cotton, besides plenty of corn and hay, stock-raising also receiving a considerable portion of his attention. He is a rising young farmer and in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the county he is deeply interested. He is a member of Bethel Lodge No. 254, of the A. F. and A. M., and Lodge No. 1861, of the K. of H., at Haynes. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. MEMO:SEVERAL BULLARDS IN CLAY HILL CEMETERY-LEE CO. | BURKE MOSES PHILLIPS CO. | Moses Burke has been long and worthily identified with the interests of Phillips County, and no worthy history of this immediate vicinity would be complete which failed to make proper mention of his life. He was born in the house in which he now resides March 1, 1848, and is a son of Elisha and Elisa (Cail) Burke, both natives of North Carolina, the former's birth occurring July 13, 1798, and his death in Phillips County, Ark., June 21, 1860. His marriage took place March 24, 1825, and until 1835 or 1836 they resided in their native State, moving then to Arkansas, and soon after located on the farm on which our subject is now living. The father was a farmer all his life, and was very successful, and in connection with this work was engaged in milling, ginning, blacksmithing and wagon making, being successful in all these undertakings. While in North Carolina he represented his county several times in the State legislature, and after coming to Arkansas he represented his district in the senate three or four terms, and later was a member of the legislature from Phillips County. He was also colonel of militia in North Carolina and Arkansas for many years, and while the Whig party was in existence affiliated withthat party. He was born of Irish parents, and his wife was of Scotch descent, her birth occurring on July 9, 1807. She bore her husband the following children: Eliza (wife of Dr. James H. Gibson, of La Grange, Ark.) and Moses being the only ones living. Those deceased are: Richard C. (who died in 1870 when about forty years of age), Sallie F. (wife of Joseph Neville, died in 1857 at the age of twenty years), Elisha was accidentally killed at Helena in 1856 at the age of fourteen years), and the rest of the children, numbering three, died in infancy. Moses Burke received his early education at his home, and when only nineteen years of age he assumed the management of his mother's property, and has continued to successfully conduct it up to the present time. They now jointly own 740 acres of land, of which 400 acres are under cultivation, nearly all of it having been obtained since the war, as during that time the most of their property was demolished. Mr. Burke was married in 1878 to Miss Jenny E. Goodwin, a daughter of Sanford E. Goodwin, her birth occurring in Phillips County, in 1852, and by her he has a family of five children: Aubrey, Elisha B., Ethel, Moses Osear and Jennie E. Mrs. Burke is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in his political views Mr. Burke is a Democrat. He is a live and enterprising agriculturist, and his long residence in this county, his industrious habits and perseverance, [p.755] as well as his strict integrity and honesty of purpose, have contributed to place around him a host of friende and acquaintances. | BURNETT JOHN O. CROSS CO. CSA-Army-Died from Wounds-Civil War | SEE WILLIAM J.COBB | BURNETT WILLIAM S. PHILLIPS CO. | William S. Burnett is the able editor and proprietor of the Helena Daily and Weekly World, which paper is flrmly established as a representative journal of this portion of the State. Mr. Burnett's birth occurred in this county, and he has become well known for his perseverance, enterprise and progress, as well as for many other admirable traits of character, and to a very great extent he enjoys the esteem and confidence of his fellow-man. After acquiring a common-school education, heentered the office of the Democratic Star of Helena as an apprentice at the printer's trade, but completed his knowledge of the business in the Southern Shield office. He then began an independent career as publisher of the Helena Clonen, in 1864, but after conducting this paper for a short time, he sold out, and established the Des Arc Crescent, of which paper he had the management from 1866 to 1869. At the latter date, he sold this paper also and returned to Helena, where, in conjunction with Mulkey & Burke, he established the Weekly World in 1871, and afterward also began the publication of the Daily World. At a later period he sold his interest in these journals, and in 1874 he began editing the Daily Mail, but in 1876, again disposed of his paper. From that time until 1885 he gave his attention to other branches of business, then purchased the Daily World, which he is now successfully conducting, it being the second oldest daily in the State. Under his judicious management it has become recognized as an influential paper, and has done good work inadvancing the interests of Eastern Arkansas. Its editorial policy has been directed by a man of good judgment, and its columns always contain something instructive and interesting. He has always supported the men and mcasuros of the Democrat party, and has himself held responsible positions as a township and county officer. | BUSH JAMES A. CSA-Dobbin's regiment-Civil War PHILLIPS CO. | James A. Bush, planter, Latour, Ark. Of that sturdy and independent class, the farmers of Arkansas, none are possessed of more genuine merit and a stronger character than he whose name stands at the head of this sketch; he has risen to more than an ordinary degree of success in his calling of an agriculturist and stock man, and wherever known, he is conceded to be an energetic and progressive tiller of the soil, imbued with all those qualities of go-a-head-ativeness which have characterized his ancestors. His birth occurred in Knorville, Tenn., January 2, 1832, and he is of German descent. He remained with his parents until eighteen years of age, when he commenced to learn the blacksmith trade, working at his trade until 1860, and accumulating considerable money. He then commenced to speculate, and has continued this ever since. During the late war he served some time in Dobbin's regiment, and was in a number of sharp skirmishes. He was on picket duty when the first gunboat passed Helena, and was a brave and gallant soldier. He was discharged three times for sickness before leaving the army. His property was burned and otherwise destroyed during the late war, and he was a heavy loser. He was the owner of twenty-seven picked slaves, worth on an average of $1,500 apiece. After the war he commenced to farm, which occupation he has since continued. He is now the owner of 1,800 acres, with 1,200 under cultivation, and uses convict labor of Phillips, Monroe, Lee and St. Francis Counties. He has used this kind of labor for six years, and during that time has used 2,000 negroes, only losing one by death, and he meeting his death by burning, while trying to escape. In 1860 Mr. Bush married Miss Jennie McKineick, a native of Marshall County, Miss., born in 1834, and the daughter of Robert McKinsick. The fruits of this union have been five living children: Lucy C. (wife of John D. Binley, of Covington, Ky., merchant, formerly traveling for a firm in St. Louis), James R. (with the East Arkansas Hedge Company, in the capacity of book-keeper), Jesse and Walter (twins, both at home) and Mande (at school, in Memphis). Mr. Bush was formerly a Whig in politics, and is one of the enterprising citizens of the county. Although he commenced without means, by his energy and good business ability he has become one of the most suecessful and substantial men of the county. He is a [p.756] liberal contributor to all laudable enterprises, and has recently donated a house to be used as a Union Church. He is the son of Andrew and Nancy (Agnew) Bush, and the grandson of George Bush, who was one of the most substantial men of Tennessee, and died in Knox County of that State. Andrew Bush and wife were natives of Knox County, Tenn., and North Carolina, reepectively, and were married in Knoxville, Tenn., where they remained until their son, James A., was eleven years of age. Then they moved to Northern Alabama, Madison County, and later came to Arkansas, where they passed the remainder of their lives, the father dying in 1860, when sixty years of age, and the mother dying in 1878, at the age of seventyeight years. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and he was a Whig in politics. He had followed agricultural pursuits all his life, was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was in the battle of the Horse Shoe. To his marriage were born seven children, all now deceased but the subject of this sketch. | BYNUM CALVIN N. ST.FRANCIS CSA-CO.G-Hart's Regiment-Civil War | Calvin N. Bynum, an extensive stock raiser and tiller of the soil. Born in Hickman County, Tenn., in 1838, is the son of James and Rebecca Bynum, natives of Virginia, who moved to St.Francis Co., Ark., in 1848. Mrs.Bynum only living a few months after their arrival. Mr. Bynum died the year following. Calvin N. began life on his own responsibility at the age of eleven, and in 1861 settled his present farm, which consists of 326 acres, with 225 under cultivation. From this land he receives excellent crops, and is also extensively engaged in stock raising. He enlisted during the war, in 1863, in Co.G, Hart's Regiment, serving until the final surrender. Mr. Bynum has been married three times; first in 1865 to Miss Emeline Price, who bore him three children; James H., Laura A., and Josephine. Mrs.Bynum died in 1870, and again Mr.Bynum was again married, his second choice was Miss Louise Price. By this union, there were five children, two now living:Sinah E. and Martha E. In 1877 Mrs.Bynum was called to her final home, and his third and present wife was formerly Lucy J. Price. To them seven children have been given, five surviving: Sara I., Francis C., William H., Charlie and John C. In politics Mr.Bynum is a Democrat, in in his religious faith is a Presbyterian. He contributes liberally to all public enterprises, and is regarded as one of the representative men of the county. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
