WHITE
COUNTY
is located in the northeast part of Central Arkansas, and is bounded north
by Cleburne, Independence and Jackson Counties, east by Woodruff, south by
Prairie and Lonoke, and west by Faulkner.
Its boundary lines are as follows: Beginning
in Range 3 west, at the point where White River crosses the line dividing
Townships 9 and 10 north; thence west on the township line to the line dividing
Ranges 5 and 6 west; thence north on the range line to the line dividing
Townships 10 and 11 north; thence west on the township line to the line dividing
Ranges 7 and 8 west; thence south on the range line to Little Red River;
thence up said river, in a westerly direction, following its meanders, to
the middle of Range 8 west; thence south on section lines to the line dividing
Townships 8 and 9 north; thence west on the township line to the line dividing
Ranges 10 and 11 west; thence south on the range line to Cypress Creek in
Township 5 north; thence down Cypress Creek following its meanders to the
line dividing Ranges 5 and 6 west; thence north on the range line to the
line dividing Townships 5 and 6 north; thence east on the township line to
White River; thence up White River following its meanders to the last crossing
of the line dividing Townships 7 and 8 north; thence west on the township
line to the southwest corner of Section 35, Township 8 north, Range 4 west;
thence north on section lines until White River is again intersected; thence
up the river following its meanders to the place of beginning; containing
an area of 1,015 square miles, or 650,000 acres. Of this about 12,000 acres
belong to the United States, 27,000 to the State, 81,000 to the St. Louis,
Iron Mountain & Southern Railway Company, and the balance to individuals.
Only about 10 per cent of the land is improved. Prices range from $5 to $25
per acre for improved, and from $1 to $10 for unimproved property.
The face of the county is somewhat
rolling, $2,595,215, on which the total amount of taxes charged for all purposes
was $32,633. In taxable wealth it then ranked as fourth in the State. In
1888, the real-estate assessment was $2,440,883, and personal property
$1,252,715, aggregating $3,693,598. The total amount of taxes charged thereon
for all purposes was $56,407.88. These figures bear evidence that from 1880
to 1888 the taxable wealth of the county increased a little over 42 per
cent–a most encouraging showing.
The St. Louis, Iron Mountain &
Southern Railroad enters White County about five miles west of its northeast
corner, and runs thence through the limits in a southwesterly direction,
its length here being about thirty-nine miles. It was completed in 1872.
Soon after the Searcy & West Point Railroad was constructed, running
from West Point to Searcy, and crossing the St. Louis, Iron Mountain &
Southern at Kensett. The cars on this road are drawn between Searcy and Kensett
by an engine, and between Kensett and West Point by horses. Its length is
ten and a half miles. The Memphis branch of the St. Louis, Iron Mountain
& Southern Railroad connects Memphis with the main line at Bald Knob
in the county's northeast part, its length being about ten miles, thus making
the combined length of railroads within the county sixty-one miles or more.
These roads, together with White River as a navigable outlet, afford excellent
transportation facilities.
The
population of White County, according to the United States census reports,
has been as follows at the various decades mentioned: 1840, 920; 1850, 2,619;
1860, 8,316; 1870, 10,347; 1880, 17,794. Immigration to the county since
1880 has been so large that at the present its population must considerably
exceed 20,000. The colored population was, in 1860, 1,435; in 1870, 1,200;
in 1880, 2,032, at about which figure it still remains.
The Royal
Colony, consisting of several families from Tennessee, was founded by James
Walker and Martin Jones at the head of Bull Creek, in the northwest part
of what is now White County. Lower down on Bull Creek were the settlements
of Fielding and Frederick Price. Lewis Vongrolman founded a German settlement
on Big Creek and Little Red River with John Magness, Philip Hilger, James
King, the Wishes, Yinglings and others. Philip Hilger established and kept
the “Hilger's Ferry” across Little Red River, on the old military
road leading from Cape Girardeau to Little Rock. Farther north, near the
Independence County line, was the Pate Settlement, founded by Lovic Pate.
Alfred Arnold, John Akin and John Wright founded the settlement on Little
Red River below where West Point is situated. Near the present town of Judsonia
was a settlement founded by William Cook and Henry R. Vanmeter. Reuben Stephens
settled in the Pate Settlement on the creek that now bears his name. Samuel
Guthrie and John Dunaway also settled in that neighborhood.
The list
just given includes the names of some of the most prominent pioneer settlers,
all of whom according to the best information now obtainable, located in
their respective places during the decade of the 20's. Others soon followed,
and by the date of the organization of the county, 1836, all parts of the
territory composing it were more or less sparsely settled. By reference to
the population previously stated it will be seen that the settlement, until
since the close of the Civil War, continued slow and gradual. Since 1880
there has been a large influx from the northern and eastern States. Most
of the early settlers came from Tennessee and other southern States. The
early county officers and all mentioned elsewhere in connection with the
organization of the county were, of course, pioneer settlers. The names of
those likewise prominent in county affairs will be found in subsequent pages
of this volume.
White
County was organized in accordance with the provisions of an act of the
legislature of Arkansas Territory, approved October 23, 1835. The first sessions
of court were held at the house of David Crise, on the place now known as
the McCreary farm, three and a half miles east of Searcy. The organization
of the county was completed early in 1830.
The place
where the courts were first held, and the site of Searcy became competing
points for the location of the permanent seat of justice. The commissioners
who located the seat of justice were John Arnold, Jesse Terry, Byram Stacy,
David Crise and Reuben Stephens. A majority of them were in favor of locating
it at Searcy, where it has ever since remained. Soon after the site was selected,
a log-cabin court house was erected at a point about 100 yards southwest
of the present court house, and the first term of the circuit court was held
therein in November, 1838. The next court house was a two-story frame, erected
on the site of the present one. A short time before the Civil War this was
moved away preparatory to erecting a new one. It now stands two blocks south
of the public square and is known as the Chambliss House. The war coming
on, the proceedings for the erection of the new court house were stopped,
and until the present one was erected, the courts were held in the Masonic
Hall at the southeast corner of the public square. In 1868 the county court
appropriated $25,000 for the erection of a new court house, and for that
amount the contract was let to Wyatt Sanford of Searcy, who erected the present
court house in 1869-70. It is a large and substantial two-story building,
the first story containing cross halls, a large fire-proof vault and county
offices, being constructed of stone, and the second, containing the court
room, of brick. Above the center of the building is a handsome tower containing
a “town clock.”
The first county jail was made of
hewed logs, ten inches square, and was two stories high. The first story
or “dungeon” was entered by means of a trap door from above. It
stood on the same lot on which the present jail stands. The second jail,
built on the same lot, was a one-story brick building containing four iron
cells and cost $1,800. Becoming unsafe it was removed. The present jail and
jailer's residence, standing about 100 yards northwest of the court house,
was erected in 1882-83 by James E. Winsett at a cost of about $3,800. It
is a two-story brick building containing three iron cells, a dungeon, and
jailer's residence. The county owns a “poor farm” on which the
paupers are supported. It consists of 120 acres, with ample buildings, and
is located one and a half miles east of Searcy.
The following
official directory contains names of the county's public servants with date
of term of service annexed from date of organization to the present:
Judges: Samuel Guthrie, 1836-42;
William Cook, 1842-44; Samuel Guthrie, 1844-46; M. Sanders, 1846-50; P. H.
McDaniel, 1850-52; J. F. Batts, 1852-54; John Hutches, 1854-56; L. S. Poe,
1856-58; William Hicks, 1858-60; R. M. Exum, 1860-61; John Hutches, 1861-62;
M. Sanders, 1862-64; John Hutches, 1864-66; M. Sanders, 1866-72; A. M. Foster,
1874-78; L. M. Jones, 1878-82; F. P. Laws, 1882-84; R. H. Goad, 1884-88;
N. H. West, present incumbent, elected in 1888.
Clerks: P. W. Roberts, 1836-38;
J. W. Bond, 1838-44; E. Guthris, 1844-46; J. W. Bond, 1846-48; Samuel Morgan,
1848-52; R. S. Bell, 1852-56; Dandridge McRae, 1856-62; J. W. Bradley, 1862-68;
J. A. Cole, 1868-72; A. P. Sanders, 1872-80; J. J. Bell, 1880-84; L. C. Canfield,
1884-88; C. S. George, present incumbent, elected in 1888. >From 1872
to 1874, Allen Mitchel was circuit clerk, and from 1880 to 1882, T. C. Jones
was county clerk, and from 1882 to 1884, J. R. Jobe was county clerk, and
from 1884 to 1886, R. H. McCullough was circuit clerk. J. J. Bell is the
present circuit clerk.
Sheriffs: P. Crease, 1836-38;
William Cook, 1838-40; Milton Sanders, 1840-44; T. J. Lindsey, 1844-46; J.
G. Robbins, 1846-50; J. M. Bowden, 1850-52; J. G. Robbins, 1852-54; R. M.
Exum, 1854-60; J. W. Bradley, 1860-62; B. B. Bradley, 1862-64; W. C. Petty,
1864-66; J. G. Robbins, 1866-67; W. C. Petty, 1867-72; N. B. Petty, 1872-78;
B. C. Black, 1878-84; J. H. Ford, 1884-88; R. W. Carnes, present incumbent,
elected in 1888.
Treasurers:
Michael Owens, 1836-38; John Arnold, 1838-42; James Bird, 1842-44; T. R.
Vanmeter, 1844-46; J. Belew, 1846-48; J. M. Johnson, 1848-50; E. Neaville,
1850-52; W. T. Gilliam, 1852-54; W. B. Isbell, 1854-56; John Critz, 1856-60;
S. B. Barnett, 1860-68; R. J. Rogers, 1868-72; W. A. B. Jones, 1872-74; M.
B. Pearson, 1874-80; D. L. Fulbright, 1880-84; J. M. Smith, 1884-88; J. G.
Walker, present incumbent, elected in 1888.
Coroners: M. H. Blue, 1836-40;
Hiram O'Neale, 1840-42; Samuel Beeler, 1842-44; D. Dobbins, 1844-46; E. K.
Milligan, 1850-52; G. W. Davis, 1852-56; Alex Cullum, 1856-58; T. T. Britt,
1858-60; W. G. Sanders, 1860-72; T. L. Miller, 1872-74; Z. T. Haley, 1874-82;
J. P. Baldock, 1882-84; J. H. Claiborne, 1884-86; J. M. Carter, 1886-88;
Frank Blevins, present incumbent, elected in 1888.
Surveyors: S. Arnold, 1836-52;
I. M. Moore, 1852-54; Thomas Moss, 1854-56; W. B. Holland, 1856-60; Thomas
Moss, 1860-64; W. B. Holland, 1864-66; Thomas Moss, 1866-68; J. O. Hurt,
1868-72; Pres. Steels, 1872-74; J. P. Steele, 1874-76; Thomas Moss, 1876-80;
B. S. Wise, present incumbent, elected in 1880, and served continuously since.
Assessors:
T.
W. Leggett, 1868-70; I. S. Chrisman, 1870-72; J. H. Black, 1872-74; D. L.
Fulbright, 1874-76; B. B. Bradley, 1876-84; J. J. Deener, 1884-88; G. W.
Dobbins, present incumbent, elected in 1888. (This office was not established
until
1868.)
Delegates
in Constitutional Conventions:
1836,
W. Cummins, A. Fowler and J. McLean, for Pulaski, White and Saline Counties;
1861, held March 4 to 21, and May 6 to June 3, J. N. Cypert; 1864, held January
4 to 23, not represented; 1868, J. N. Cypert and Thomas Owen; 1874, J. N.
Cypert and J. W. House.
The first State senator for White County was R. C. Byrd, and
the first representative in the house was Martin Jones.
The number
of votes cast at the late elections for several candidates, as stated below,
will show the political aspect of the county. At the September election 1888,
for Governor, James P. Eagle, Democrat, 1,608; C. N. Norwood, combined
opposition, 1,949. November election in 1888, for president, Cleveland, Democrat,
1,948; Harrison, Republican, 550; Streeter, Union Labor, 249; Fiske, Prohibition,
45.
The various
courts held in the county are county, probate, circuit and chancery. The
regular sessions of these bodies are held as follows: County court, commencing
on the first Monday of January, April, July and October; probate, on the
second Monday of the same months; circuit, on the third Monday of January
and July; chancery, on the second Monday of June and December. The chancery
court was made a separate court by an act of the General Assembly approved
March 15, 1887, and was attached to the First chancery district, composed
of Lonoke, Pulaski, Faulkner and White Counties. Prior to that time the circuit
court had jurisdiction of all chancery business.
The legal bar (local) of White County
is composed of the following-named attorneys: W. R. Coody, J. N. Cypert,
D. McRae, B. Isbell, John B. Holland, S. Brundidge, Jr., J. F. Rives, Sr.,
J. F. Rives, Jr., E. Cypert, John M. Battle, John T. Hicks, J. D. DeBois,
C. D. James and J. E. Russ.
Upon
the approach of the Civil War a strong Union sentiment prevailed in White
County, and when the Hon. J. N. Cypert was elected representative in the
State convention held in March, 1861, he was instructed to, and did, vote
against the secession of the State from the Federal Union. Afterward, when
the “dogs of war” were let loose, and President Lincoln called
upon the State for its quota of the first 75,000 troops for the Union army,
the sentiment materially changed, and the people concluded to cast their
lot in general with the Southern project of establishing a separate Confederacy.
To this end companies of soldiers began to be organized, and in 1861, five
companies first commanded, respectively, by Capts. F. M. Chrisman, John C.
McCauley, Henry Blakemore, J. N. Cypert and J. A. Pemberton, and in 1862
three companies first commanded, respectively, by James McCauley, B. C. Black
and Boothe Jones, were enlisted and organized within the county for the
Confederate army. All were infantry companies except that of Capt. Chrisman,
which was cavalry. Capt. James McCauley's company was mounted infantry. Some
individuals joined commands outside of the county. No troops were organized
within this territory for the Federal army, but a very few persons who refused
to yield their Union sentiments left the county and enlisted as their principles
dictated.
In 1862, when a division of the Federal
army was moving from Batesville to Helena, an escort of its forage train,
numbering about 500 men, was suddenly attacked at Whitney's Lane, five miles
east of Searcy, by about 150 Confederates under Capt. Johnson. The latter
made a bold and sudden attack and then retired, losing only about five men,
while the Federals lost from fifty to 100. This was the only fight worthy
of mention within the county. The county was overrun by scouting and foraging
parties of both armies, and much provision was thus taken from the citizens.
Three or four men were killed in the county during the war by scouts.
White
County contains within its territory a number of towns of prominent local
importance, besides those whose size has given them substantial reputation
in the outside world.
Of these Beebe is a flourishing place situated
on the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railroad, about sixteen miles
southwest of Searcy. It began to build in the spring of 1872 (upon the completion
of the railroad), but did not improve much until 1880, when it had reached
a population of 428, and since then it has more than doubled in population.
It has ten general, four grocery, three drug, two hardware, one furniture,
two millinery and one notion store; also the White County Bank, two hotels,
several boarding houses, two meat markets, two blacksmith and wagon shops,
one saw and grist mill combined, two cotton-gins, two livery stables, railroad
depot, postoffice, one photograph gallery, a fruit evaporator, five church
edifices for the white and two for the colored people, a public school-house,
five physicians, a dentist, two weekly newspapers, etc., etc. The Beebe Argus,
published by W. B. Barnum, is an eight-column folio, Democratic
in politics, and has for its motto: “A school-house on every hilltop
and not a saloon in the valley.” The Arkansas Hub is a seven-column
folio, published by Sam J. Crabtree, and is independent in politics. Both
of these papers are ably edited and are well sustained, proving important
factors in the influence of the community. Beebe is the center of one of
the best fruit growing regions on the line of the St. Louis, Iron Mountain
& Southern Railway, and ships a vast amount of fruit, especially small
fruits, berries, tomatoes and the like, to the city markets. It is incorporated
and has a full line of corporate officers. It also has lodges of the Masonic
and Odd Fellow fraternities. It is thirty three miles from Little Rock.
Bradford is a shipping station
on the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railroad, near the northern
boundary of the county. It contains four general, one drug and one millinery
store, one grist and one saw mill, a public school-house, two blacksmith
shops, two physicians and a lodge each of Masons, Knights of Honor and Triple
Alliance. The school-house is used for religious meetings. The population
is about 100.
Bald
Knob is situated in the northeastern part of White County, on the
St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railroad at the junction of the Memphis
branch. It contains three general, one hardware and grocery, one grocery,
one drug and grocery and a millinery store, a grist-mill and a saw-mill,
school-house, etc., etc.
Garner and
Higginson are shipping stations on the St. Louis, Iron Mountain
& Southern Railroad, the former about ten miles south of Searcy, and
the latter five miles southeast.
Judsonia, formerly Prospect Bluff, is located
on the west side of the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railroad,
and on the north bank of Little Red River. It is a comparatively old town.
About the year 1870 a colony from the East settled there, and secured the
change of the name of the town from Prospect Bluff to that of Judsonia. The
place now contains four general, one dry goods, three grocery, one hardware,
one hardware and furniture, one harness, one millinery and two drug stores;
also a music store, meat market, two blacksmith shops, a wagon shop, a fruit
and vegetable canning factory, fruit-box factory, two saw-mills, a grist-mill
and cotton-gin, a grist-mill and wool-carding mill, a tanyard, two hotels,
a restaurant, a bakery, two livery stables, two church edifices for the white
and two for the colored people; also a public school-house for the white
and another for the colored people, three physicians, a lodge each of several
secret and benevolent societies, a newspaper, the Judsonia Weekly Advance,
etc, etc. The Advance is a six-column folio published by Berton W.
Briggs, and has for its motto, “Overcome prejudice. Let free
thought and free speech be encouraged.” The Judsonia University is also
located at this
place.
The White County Agricultural and
Industrial Fair Association was organized at Judsonia in 1883, and grounds
fitted up where exhibitions are held in the fall of the year. The first fair
was held in October, 1883. That of the past fall was a successful one. The
present officers are Capt. D. L. McLeod, president; James L. Moore,
vice-president; Charles D. James, secretary, and J. S. Kelley, treasurer.
Messrs. D. L. McLeod, J. D. DeBois, J. S. Eastland, S. N. Ladd, Willis Meadows,
James L. Moore, E. C. Kinney and J. S. Kelley are directors.
Judsonia's
location in the midst of a wonderful fruit-growing community gives it prominent
intercourse with the outside world. In 1889 immense shipments of fruit were
made from this point, and in 1888 some 96,000 packages found their way to
different sections. This will be the head of navigation on Little Red River
when the Government shall have finished its work of improvement, for which
appropriation was made.
Judsonia,
like Beebe, is located in the center of a great fruit-growing region, is
surrounded with many small fruit farms, and ships immense quantities of fruits,
berries, tomatoes, etc., to the city markets. The town is incorporated and
has a mayor and other corporate officers. It had a population of 267 in 1880,
and now boasts of about 600, besides a dense population on the small fruit
farms adjoining and surrounding it.
Kensett is situated on the
St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railroad, at the crossing of the
Searcy & West Point Railroad, four and a half miles east of Searcy. It
contains the railroad depot, a general store, postoffice, hotel, a grocery,
blacksmith shop, a church edifice and a few dwelling houses.
Russell is a station on the
St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railroad, between Bradford and Bald
Knob. It contains two general stores, a drug and a millinery store, a saw-mill,
grist-mill, cotton-gin, railroad depot, postoffice, etc.
There
are some other small villages in the county containing a postoffice, general
store, etc.
Searcy, the county seat,
is situated in the geographical center of the county, at the western terminus
of the Searcy & West Point Railroad. Its origin has been given in connection
with the organization of the county. It was established in 1836, and a Mr.
Howerton opened the first hotel in a double log-house south of what is now
Spring Park. Moses Blew opened the first store, and was soon joined in the
mercantile business by John W. Bond. At the beginning of the Civil War the
place contained about six business places facing the public square. Its business
was almost wholly destroyed during the war period, but revived soon thereafter.
It now contains thirteen general, four grocery, three drug, two hardware,
one furniture, one undertaking, one harness and saddle, two millinery stores,
two meat markets, two restaurants, a bakery, two hotels and several
boarding-houses, two grist and planing mills and cotton-gins combined, a
wagon factory, two livery stables, six church edifices–three for the
white and three for the colored people–a lodge each of Masons, Odd Fellows
and Knights and Ladies of Honor, a Woman's Christian Temperance Union, Woman's
Aid and Woman's Missionary Society, seven physicians, a dentist, three tailors,
jewelers, etc. In addition to the interests mentioned, there are the Searcy
Male and Female College, the Galloway Female College and three public
schools–two for white and one for the colored people. One of the public
school-houses, used by the former, was built for a male and the other for
a female academy. Two weekly newspapers are also published here, the Arkansas
Beacon and the White County Wheel. The former is a five-column quarto, published
by Holland & Jobe. It is now in its eleventh volume, and is Democratic
in politics. The latter is also a five-column quarto, published by R. A.
Dowdy. It is in its second volume, and is published in the interest of the
labor movement. These journals faithfully represent the interests of this
section.
Spring Park, at Searcy, inclosing several acres, is located
near the center of the city. It contains three never-failing mineral
springs–White Sulphur, Chalybeate and Alum. The former of these have
the most health-giving qualities, aiding digestion and curing constipation.
This park contains bath-houses, is shaded by natural forest trees and is
a very pleasant retreat for all persons. The town of Searcy is laid out
“square with the world,” its streets running east and west and
north and south. It is beautifully located and is substantially built up,
both in its churches, colleges, residences and business houses–the latter
being mostly of brick. The healthfulness of location of the place is all
that could be desired. The city is an educational center, and, especially
a summer health resort, as many health and pleasureseekers spend their summer
months here. Its population is estimated at from 1,500 to 2,000. The residences
are generally owned by the occupants, and there are very few renters, probably
less than in any town of its size in the State. The town is incorporated
and has a full complement of corporate officers.
West
Point is situated on an eminence on the south side of Little Red
River, at the eastern terminus of the Searcy & West Point Railroad. It
was laid out in 1850 by J. M. West, hence its name, West Point, it being
the point to which the river was navigable at all seasons of the year. At
the beginning of the Civil War it had attained a population of 350 and did
an immense amount of business, being the distributing point for a large scope
of country to the westward. During the war period it lost nearly all its
business, but afterward revived and flourished until the Iron Mountain Railroad
was completed through the county. Then it again lost its prosperity, and
in 1880 its population had run down to 123. Its population is now about 150.
It contains three general stores, a drug store, a grist-mill and cotton-gin,
a blacksmith and wood shop, a church edifice, a public school-house and the
railroad depot. It is supplied with a daily mail.
The advancement made in the cause of education in White County,
under the free school system, is best shown by the following statistics as
given in the report of the State superintendent of public instruction for
the year ending June 30, 1888:
Scholastic
population: White, males 3,384, females 3,173, total 6,557; colored, males
410, females 404, total 814. Number of pupils taught in the public schools:
White, males 2,159, females 1,971, total 4,150; colored, males 295, females
283, total 578. Number of school districts, 101; districts reporting enrollment,
76; number of districts voting tax, 44. Number of teachers employed: Males
86, females 41, total 127. Average monthly salaries paid teachers: First
grade, males $50, females $40; second grade, males $45, females $35; third
grade, males $30, females $27.50. Amount expended for the support of the
public schools: For teachers' salaries, $20,500.79; for building and repairing,
$3,275; for treasurers' commissions, $565.60; total $24,341.39.
Assuming
these statistics to be correct, only 63 per cent of the white and 71 per
cent of the colored scholastic population were taught in the public schools.
It must be noticed, however, that out of the 101 school districts, twenty-five
failed to report the enrollment in the schools, which if ascertained and
added to those that made reports, would largely increase the per cent of
scholastic population attending. The fact that the school law does not compel
full statistical reports to be made, is a strong argument in favor of its
revision. Education for the masses is growing in popularity.
On July 23, 1888, a normal institute was opened at Searcy by
Prof. T. S. Cox, conductor. This institute was in all respects a grand success.
Its beginning noted the presence of thirty-four teachers, though seventy-one
were in attendance at the close. A strong effort had been put forth by the
county examiner, Mr. B. P. Baker, to secure a large attendance, and his energies
in the work was the cause of bringing out nearly all the progressive teachers
of the county, and many others friendly to education. Great interest was
manifested, and much good work accomplished.
The
Searcy Male and Female
College
is a chartered institution for the higher education of young men and women.
The building is located within a campus of five acres, on a beautiful site
in Searcy, convenient to the public square, and yet sufficiently removed
to avoid the noise and bustle of business. It was organized in 1883, by Prof.
W. H. Tharp (who conceived the idea of starting a reputable educational
institution), and it at once become recognized as a school of a high order.
Gen. D. MoRae is president and Col. V. H. Henderson is secretary and treasurer
of the board of trustees, and W. H. Tharp is president of the faculty. The
members of the faculty are selected from colleges and universities of national
reputation and most of them have supplemented their college or university
course by thorough normal training, and hence in their teaching are prepared
to use the most approved methods. Following the Preparatory Department is
the Collegiate Department, divided into these Schools: Ancient Languages,
Modern Languages, History, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Philosophy and
Belles-Lettres, Engineering, Elocution, Biblical History, Pianoforte, Vocal
Culture, Harmony, Theory and Art.
A Normal
Class is also taught, and the college cadets are organized into a company
under the immediate supervision of the instructor in military tactics, Lient.
Albert J. Dabney (U. S. Naval Academy) commanding company.
The buildings consist of college hall,
president's office and mathematics, a two-story boarding hall, music and
art department, primary department, president's residence and cooking department,
all separate, the dining-hall being under college hall. The history of the
founding of this institution is most interesting. Prof. Tharp was aided in
his work of starting the school by Prof. Conger of Ouachita College, Arkadelphia,
the latter serving eighteen months as one of the principals. Subsequently
Prof. Tharp was left in entire charge. Upon starting thirty-seven pupils
were enrolled. A noticeable growth attended the worthy efforts of the founder
and last year 204 pupils were in attendance. The capacity of the college
has been doubled and still more room is needed. Its graduates have included
persons of ability and influence, who have attained to prominence in their
varied walks. The collegiate course is being strengthened and improved yearly,
and every effort is being made to make this the leading educational institution
of the State.
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Galloway
Female
College was organized in the spring of 1888, under supervision
of the several Conferences of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in the
State of Arkansas. The citizens of Searcy secured its location by subscribing
$25,000 toward its erection. The college building stands between a half and
three-fourths of a mile southeast of the court house, on an eminence in a
beautiful native forest, consisting of eighteen acres. It was erected in
1888-89, and consists of the main building and an east, west and north wing,
with the kitchen department on the east side of the north wing, and its entire
length from east to west is about 200 feet. Above the southern or front entrance
is a tower eighty feet high. The building, the walls of which are constructed
of brick on a rock foundation, has four stories above the basement, and contains
a chapel 48x60 feet in size and twenty feet in height, five recitation rooms,
a dining-room forty-eight feet square and twelve feet high, two double parlors,
four reception halls, sixty-four bed-rooms, three bath-rooms, eleven halls
and a kitchen with four rooms, storeroom and pantry. In the basement is the
furnace room with two engines. The building in general is heated with steam,
the rooms are all supplied with fire-places, and it is lighted with gas.
The corner, or memorial stone, sets in the south wall, east of the main entrance,
and has on its face the following inscription:
Galloway Female College. C. B. Galloway, Bishop,
Building
Committee. P. A. Robertson, G. B. Greer, B. P. Baker, A. W. Yarnell, J. E.
Skillern.
Elliott & Elliott, A. B. Meiton,
Builders, Architect.
Near
the building is a superior bored well, ninety-three feet deep, with sixty
feet of water in it. The grounds cost $2,000, and the building about $32,000.
The building is well supplied with piazzas, and is exceedingly well ventilated.
R. W. Erwin is president of the college. The first session opened in September,
1889. Too much can not be said in favor of the location of this college,
on account of the healthfulness of Searcy, the morality of its people, and
many other advantages.
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Judsonia
University
is a Baptist school located at Judsonia. It was founded by the colony that
came from the East and located about the year 1870. The school-house is a
large frame structure. The faculty is composed of five teachers. It is a
good school and has the advantages of being in a quiet, moral town, removed
from the vices and temptations of large cities.
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Churches
The several
religious denominations of White County are the Methodist Episcopal, Methodist
Episcopal, South, Baptist, Presbyterian, Cumberland Presbyterian and Christian.
Of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, South, there are the following:
Searcy Station, Rev. J. M. Talkington, pastor, with a membership of 210;
Searcy Circuit, consisting of six appointments, Rev. E. M. Baker, pastor, membership 386;
El Paso Circuit, consisting of four appointments, Rev. H. F. Harvey, pastor, membership about 250; Lebanon Circuit, consisting of seven appointments, Rev. W. A. Pendergrass, pastor, membership 356; Bradford Circuit, consisting of seven appointments, Rev. C. H. Cary, pastor, membership 164;
Beebe and West Point, C. H. Gregory, pastor, membership 225;
Red River Circuit, only three appointments in this county, Rev. James A. Brown, pastor, membership about 150;
Kentucky Valley Circuit, with six appointments. Rev. M. B. Corrigan, pastor, membership 359; thus making an aggregate of 2,100 members.
The Sunday-schools of this denomination have also a large
membership. These organizations all belong to Searcy District of the White
River Conference, of which Rev. George M. Hill is the presiding elder.
Of the
Methodist Episcopal Church there is Beebe Station, Rev. R.
R. Fletcher, pastor, membership 44; Judsonia Station, Rev. George H. Feese,
pastor, membership 118; and Bald Knob Circuit, consisting of four appointments
in White County and one in Jackson, Rev. F. M. Hughes, pastor. These comprise
all the organizations of this denomination within White County, and all belong
to the Little Rock District of the Arkansas Conference.
The
Baptist Church organizations, pastors and memberships within
the county, are as follows:
Beebe, Isom P. Langley, 134;
Bethlehem, W. H. Hodges, 27;
Cane Creek, W. J. Kirkland, 20;
Centre Hill, J. D. Doyle, 141;
Elon, same pastor, 55; El Paso, same pastor, 206;
Garner, L. F. Taylor, 12; Hepsibah, W. H. Hodges, 32;
Higginson, R. J. Coleman, 13;
Judsonia, B. F. Bartles, 116;
Kensett, J. M. Davis, 38;
Kentucky Valley, J. A. Chamblee, 39;
Liberty, J. M. Davis, 112;
Plateau, John Stephens, 26;
Rose Bud, M. T. Webb, 78;
Searcy, 137;
Shiloh, W. J. Kirkland, 76;
South Antioch, J. A. Chamblee, 57;
Wake Forest, W. J. Kirkland, 13;
West Point, J. M. Davis, 54.
All of these
belong to the Caroline Baptist Association, from the last published proceedings
of which the above information has mostly been taken. Since then some changes
may have been made in pastors, and the memberships may have increased. The
aggregate membership as above given is 1,386.
There
are two Presbyterian Church organizations within the county,
one at Searcy, Rev. Richard B. Willis, pastor, with a membership of 53, and
one near Centre Hill, Rev. W. S. Willbanks, pastor, and a membership of
14.
Below is the
list of Cumberland Presbyterian Church organizations in White
County, together with names of pastors and membership of each annexed: Beebe,
Finis Wylie, 60; Stony Point, J. A. Pemberton, 40; Antioch, same pastor,
86; Pleasant Grove, same pastor, 40; Gum Spring, Finis Wylie, 60; New Hope,
J. C. Forbus, 40; Good Springs, Rev. Barlow, 60; aggregating a closely estimated
membership of 386.
Of the
Christian Church there are Beebe, Clear Water, Garner and Bald
Knob. The first has a membership of 70, and the others have a fair membership.
Elder J. B. Marshall is pastor of the Beebe organization, and Elder Brown
of Clear Water and Garner.
There
are also a number of church organizations among the colored people, at Searcy,
Beebe, Judsonia and other places. Sunday-schools are taught with much success
in connection with most of the churches, and all in all much is accomplished
in the cause of Christianity.
Saloons
for the selling of intoxicating drinks are not allowed in the county.
The people are generally moral and
law-abiding, and cheerfully extend the hand of welcome to all honest and
industrious newcomers.
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H. K. Adams, merchant at El Paso, Ark., and one of the leading citizens of that city, was born in Rockingham County, N. C., January 29, 1846, being the son of Samuel and Francis (Reid) Adams. Samuel Adams was a farmer by occupation, and a native of Virginia, but most of his life was passed in North Carolina. He was married in that State (where he had a fine farm), and died there in 1870, at the age of sixty-three years. He was magistrate for a number of years, and an energetic, enterprising citizen, and in whatever place he resided that locality might well consider itself the better for his citizenship. His wife died in 1854. She was a sister of Ex-Gov. Reid, of North Carolina, and her mother was a lady of national fame, who had near relatives on the supreme bench of Florida. H. K. Adams is the fifth in a family of eight children, five of whom are now living: Fanny B. (wife of J. W. Thompson, teacher in the Edinburgh High School, in Cleburne County, Ark.), Henrietta (wife of W. P. Watson, a farmer of Monroe County, Ark.), Reuben (a teacher in Prattsville) and Frank R. (a printer, married, and residing in Texas.) Those deceased are: Samuel F. (who lost his life at the hands of raiders, in 1865), David R. (died in college at Madison, N. C., aged eighteen) and Annie E. (who died in infancy.) H. K. Adams was reared on a farm, receiving a good common-school education at the district schools, and at the age of twenty-one launched his bark and began life for himself. He had nothing with which to cope with the world but a stout heart and his wit, and though it was rather discouraging, he never lost heart, and as a natural result was successful. He began first as a clerk in a country store at Boyd's Mill, N. C. A year later he enlisted in Company E, Forty-fifth North Carolina Regiment, and served until the surrender, in May, 1865, participating in the battle of the Wilderness and numerous other skirmishes, but through his entire career was never wounded. At the battle of Spottsylvania he was taken prisoner and held at Point Lookout and Elmira, in all about six months. He was again captured on the retreat from Petersburg, a few days before the surrender of Gen. Lee, and carried to Point Lookout, and remained in prison six weeks after the close of the war. After this Mr. Adams returned to his native State and engaged in farming until 1869, then coming to Arkansas (St. Francis County) where he resided two years. His next move was to El Paso, and after tilling the soil some two years he was engaged as clerk for W. H. Grisard, a prosperous merchant, for several years. For two years he was with C. P. Warren, and at the end of that time (1884) formed a partnership with J. T. Phelps and J. C. Harkrider, under the firm name of Adams, Phelps & Co. A short time later Mr. Phelps sold his interest to the other gentleman, the firm name becoming Adams & Harkrider. Mr. Adams eventually purchased the entire stock, and after a time formed a partnership with B. A. Neal, whose interest he bought, and then Mr. J. T. Booth purchased an interest, and since that time the firm has been known as Adams & Booth. They are doing a splendid business, and carry a well-assorted stock of general merchandise. Being wide-awake merchants and eminently responsible they command the respect of the entire community. Mr. Adams was united in marriage June 7, 1874, to Miss Florence Harkrider, a native of Alabama and a daughter of W. H. Harkrider, a farmer and mechanic of White County. Their union has been blessed with ten children, six of them now living: Martha F. (born in April, 1875), William S. (born in July, 1876, died in August, 1883), Hugh K., Jr. (born in March, 1878, and died in September, 1879), David C. (born in November, 1879), Dean (born in May, 1881, died in August, 1883), Eva E. (born in November, 1882), Horace E. (born in July, 1884), Sarah Florence (born in November, 1885, died in July, 1886), Myrtle I. (born in January, 1887), and Grace (born in February, 1889). Mr. Adams is giving his children all the advantages of good schools, and is determined that they shall have every opportunity for an education, regardless of expense. Himself and wife are members of the El Paso Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Adams is at present a member of the school board and a notary public. He has served his township as bailiff for a number of years. In addition to his mercantile business he owns a small farm, which is carefully cultivated and yields excellent crops. In his political views he is a Democrat, but not an enthusiast.
James H. Adkins, a man of good repute and thoroughly respected in his community, is a Tennesseean by birth and is the son of Elcaney N. and Elizabeth (Hughes) Adkins. The mother of the subject of this sketch was a daughter of Harden and Sarah Hughes, of Tennessee. Mr. Adkins followed farming in Tennessee, and in 1845 immigrated to White County, Ark., and died shortly after his removal to this county, leaving three children: James H., William and Visey. James H. was born in 1844, and enlisted in the cavalry service when eighteen years old, in the Confederate army, and saw some hard fighting from the time of his enlistment, in 1864, until peace was declared. After the war he returned to this county and bought eighty acres of land and commenced to farm for himself. He now owns 140 acres, with over one-half of it in a good state of cultivation, and he vouches that his farm will produce almost everything. Mr. Adkins was married, in 1866, to Frances E. Woodle, a daughter of Turner and Catharine (Matthews) Woodle. Mrs. Adkins died September 3, 1867, leaving one daughter, Sceproney B. Mr. Adkins took unto himself a second wife (their marriage being solemnized in 1876). Mary F. Cullum, a daughter of Matthew and Margaret C. (Childers) Cullum, natives of Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. Adkins are the parents of eight children: Dora A., Martha A. (deceased), William O. (deceased), Henry B., James S., Cynthia L. (deceased), Robert C. and Ella A. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Mr. Adkins is an A. F. & A. M., belonging to the Mount Pisgah lodge No. 242. He takes a prominent part and is deeply interested in all work beneficial to the community.
Hon. John M. Allen, well and favorably known in this vicinity as a prosperous farmer, and, indeed, throughout this portion of the State, was born in Tennessee, in 1839, being one of two children born to the marriage of Thomas J. and Anna E. (Black) Allen, the father a native of Tennessee, born about 1812, and a son of Daniel Allen, who was a descendant of the famous Ethan Allen. Thomas J. was reared and married in his native State, the latter event taking place about 1834, and there he reared the following family of children: William, John, Neal S., Richard J., Allie, Mary and Hall B., who is deceased. Mr. Allen was a farmer throughout life, and is now living in Arkansas with his son John, and is about eighty years of age. He is a member of the Agricultural Wheel, and he and his wife, who died in 1872, were members of the Baptist Church. John M. Allen received excellent educational advantages in Tennessee, and completed his education in Pulaski College, after which he (in 1856) started out to fight the battle of life for himself and engaged in farming, and this occupation has received his attention up to the present time. In 1859 he married Emma Sparkman, a daughter of William Sparkman, of Tennessee, but in 1877 he was called upon to mourn the death of his wife, she having borne him a family of five children: William (who is married and resides in Beebe), Lizzie (Mrs. Hubbard, residing in Dogwood Township), Arch, Claude and Eugene. Later Mr. Allen wedded Mrs. Hannah (Walker) Seawell, and by her has three children: Adella, Eula and Lonnie. In 1860 Mr. Allen moved with his family to Butler, Mo., and from there, in 1861, enlisted in Company B, Col. Lowe's regiment, as captain, and was shortly promoted to the rank of major. After the battle of Belmont his company was disorganized and his regiment transferred to the Army of the Tennessee and was in nearly all the principal battles of the war from that time until the close. He returned to Missouri after peace was declared and engaged in farming and the mercantile business, but becoming dissatisfied with his location he came to White County, Ark., in 1880, and a year later purchased the farm of 320 acres now belonging to him in Dogwood Township. He has 150 acres under cultivation, but, as his home is in Beebe, he only goes to his farm to attend to the gathering of his crops. He has always been found ready to assist worthy enterprises, and for years past has given much of his attention to politics, and is a member of the Farmers' and Laborers' Union of America, and is the present representative of that party in the State legislature from White County, Ark. He belongs to the State executive committee and is a Mason, holding a demit from Faithful Lodge No. 304. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church. Through his grandmother he is a distant relative of Chief Justice Hale.
Thomas Smith Anderson, a prosperous merchant and cotton dealer, of El Paso, Ark., was born in Madison County, Tenn., August 2, 1832, and is a son of Samuel Lindsay Anderson, who is of Scotch-Irish descent and was born in the “Palmetto State.” His ancestors, as well as his wife's (Eliza Braden), came to this country while it was still subject to the British crown and fought in the Revolutionary War. The paternal grandparents were married in Newberry District, S. C., and removed to Tennessee between 1800 and 1812, their son, Samuel L., being born in 1800, and died May 22, 1884, his wife dying in Tennessee in 1847. A great uncle, Joshua Anderson, was under the jurisdiction of Gen. Jackson during the War of 1812, and took part in the battle of New Orleans. In 1858 our subject came to Arkansas and located in Puiaski County (now Faulkner), where, in company with his brother, James A. Anderson, he purchased 420 acres of land, and at the time of his brother's death, in June, 1885, had cleared about 100 acres. In July, 1861, Thomas S. Anderson enlisted in Company B, Tenth Arkansas Infantry, Confederate States army, and served as second sergeant until the fall of 1862, when he was promoted to brevet second lieutenant, remaining such until the summer of 1865. He was at the battle of Shiloh in charge of the commissary department of his regiment. He was captured at Port Hudson, La., and was a prisoner of war for twenty-one months, being confined at Johnson's Island, Lake Erie, Point Lookout (Md.), and then transferred to Fort Delaware, about forty miles from Philadelphia. He was exchanged at Richmond, Va., and started to rejoin his command at Marshall, Tex., but in his attempt to regain his regiment he was compelled to endure many hardships, and, owing to exposure, he contracted rheumatism, but finally managed to reach Shreveport, that garrison being under command of Gen. Kirby Smith, and with him surrendered. He arrived at home the middle of June, and again, in company with his brother, who had also been in the Confederate army, took up farming. On May 12, 1868, he was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Ann Laws, of Haywood County, Tenn, origin, and a daughter of J. P. and Minerva (Leathers) Laws, who were born in North Carolina. In 1878 Mr. Anderson purchased a stock of general merchandise and opened a store at El Paso, where he has successfully conducted business ever since, and, in connection with this, keeps a line of such furniture as is demanded in his community. He is also an extensive dealer in cotton, and his annual sales for this commodity amount to $10,000 to $12,000. Mr. Anderson votes with the Democratic party, and while a resident of Faulkner County, and since the war, he has served as justice of the peace. He is a Mason, having been initiated into that society in 1859; was secretary of El Paso Lodge for several years, but has been demitted to Velonia Lodge, being its Master one year. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.
Moses E. Andrews has been actively and successfully engaged in farming in White County since twenty-one years of age. He was born in Lincoln County, Tenn., in 1844, to the union of Samuel and Marion (Adking) Andrews, natives of Virginia and Tennessee, respectively. They were married in Lincoln County, Tenn., and there remained until 1851, when they removed to Arkansas, and located in White County, near the place upon which the village of Judsonia is now located. This was then in the woods, but Mr. Andrews cleared up a good farm and made a home. He was a prominent Democrat, and served as justice of the peace for several years, and died May 20, 1867, at the age of fifty-six. Mrs. Andrews died in 1864, leaving a family of seven children, two of whom only are living: Moses E. (our subject) and Joseph D. (who is a farmer of White County.) Moses E. Andrews was married in 1873 to Elizabeth Eaton, a daughter of E. S. Eaton, an old settler of White County. She was born in 1851. They are the parents of two children: Benjamin W. and Rosella. Mrs. Andrews is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Andrews is a prominent Democrat and a leading citizen.
Moses Morgan Aunsspaugh, farmer and stock raiser of Little Red, Ark., is one of the much respected and esteemed residents of Denmark Township, where he has made his home for many years. He is the son of Benjamin and Ruhama (Hartley) Aunsspaugh, the former of German descent and a native of Pennsylvania. George Aunsspaugh, the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, came from Germany at an early day, located in Pennsylvania, and served in the Colonial army from that State in the capacity of drum-major in Gen. Washington's immediate command. The great-grandfather Hartley was a native born Englishman, came to America before the Revolution, settled in Pennsylvania, and served as a private soldier. Grandfather Aunsspaugh was a soldier in the War of 1812, and arrived in New Orleans the day after the battle, having served with the Ohio State troops. Benjamin Aunsspaugh came to Arkansas in 1833, in company with John Hartley and his family, and located in Jefferson County, of that State, all having traveled from Zanesville, Ohio, on a keel-boat, leaving that point in the early part of the fall of 1833, and arriving in the above county in December of the same year. Benjamin married Miss Ruhama Hartley in Jefferson County, Ark., and the following children were born to this union: Jobe (born 1834), Moses Morgan (born 1835), John (born 1837), George (born 1839) and Amoa (born 1840). The mother of these children died in the last of June, 1845, in White County, Ark., whither Benjamin Aunsspaugh had moved with his family in October of the previous year, and here the father also died in 1876. In this county Jobe, Moses and John grew to manhood. Moses Morgan Aunsspaugh was born on the keel-boat, upon which his father and the Hartley family journeyed from Ohio, on April 12, 1835. He attended school about three weeks and had got as far as “baker” in his spelling book when his school days suddenly terminated. He learned the blacksmith trade with his father and followed this occupation for a number of years. On January 17, 1858, he was wedded to Miss Sarah Winford, a native of Tennessee, and the daughter of Samuel and Martha (Morris) Winford, who came to Arkansas in 1844, settled in Poinsett County, where the father died the same year. The Winford family consisted of these children: Margaret (married Thomas Anderson and became the mother of eight children; she died in 1859), Jane (married Dave Ellster, and has one child) and Sarah. To Mr. and Mrs. Aunsspaugh were born three children: Martha Ann Ruhama (born November 4, 1858), Samuel Benjamin Franklin (born August 31, 1862) and George Washington (born April 25, 1872). Martha Ann Ruhama married Albert M. Bryant on August 4, 1874, and became the mother of four children: John Thomas, Lindsay E., Oliver and Mary Ells. Samuel B. F. married Miss Martha Porter on March 4, 1879, and became the father of three children. He, his wife and all his children are deceased. Benjamin Aunsspaugh bought eighty acres of land in White County, improved it, and in 1846 moved to Searcy, where he carried on his trade as blacksmith. He and his son Moses ironed the first wagon sent out of White County to California in 1849. In 1851 he returned to the neighborhood of his old home, and there bought 160 acres of land, subsequently adding to this until he at one time owned 320 acres. At the time of his death he owned 240 acres, with thirty acres under cultivation, and in connection with tilling the soil he also carried on the blacksmith trade up to that time. Benjamin Aunsspaugh was married the second time in 1853 to Mrs. Jane McDonald, a native of Alabama, and these children were the result: William (born 1854), twins (born 1855), James and an infant who died unnamed and another infant died unnamed. James W. married Mrs. Jennie Copeland, who bore him three children, two living. He resides on a farm in White County. Moses M. Aunsspaugh made his first purchase of land in 1858, paying 50 cents an acre for eighty acres. In 1862, much against his will, he was conscripted by the Confederates, and served three years in that army, participating in the battle of Helena, but did not fire a gun. He served his company in the capacity of cook, and returned home in 1864. He sold his first purchase of land in 1860, and in 1861 purchased 160 acres near Searcy, which was partly improved. He then cleared twelve acres, erected a log-house 16x16 feet and lived there for eight years, two and a half years of which time he rendered Union service in the Confederate army. In 1869 he sold his farm and moved to his present property, where he has since made his home. He first purchased 170 acres, but afterward added to this eighty acres, and soon had fifteen acres under cultivation, and resided in a log-house for six years. In 1875 he erected his present comfortable house, and there he has since resided. The same year he noticed a peculiar looking stone on his place, picked it up, called the attention of an experienced geologist to it, and it was pronounced gold quartz. Mr. and Mrs. Aunsspaugh are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and their daughter Martha D. and her husband are members of the United Baptist Church. Mr. Aunsspaugh is a member of the Agricultural Wheel No. 176.
William C. Barclay, postmaster and merchant of Russell, Ark., of Jackson County, Ala., nativity, and whose birth occurred January 28, 1858, is the son of James C. and Melinda (Wright) Barclay, natives of Alabama. James C. Barclay is still a citizen of Alabama, and follows farming for a livelihood. The wife of James C. died in November, 1864, having borne him eight children: Anna, Penelope, Tommie, John P., James P., William L., Jane and Sarah, all living. Mr. Barclay again married, choosing for his second wife Miss Ransom of Jackson County, Ala., and the result of this marriage is one child, Wiley F. Barclay, born in 1868. In February, 1875, Mr. Barclay was married the third time to Miss Galbreath of De Kalb County, Ala., and to them has been given one child. The grandparents of William C. came direct from Ireland to Alabama. Our subject was reared in Jackson County. His advantages for learning were limited in his youth by reason of the Civil War and its attendant and subsequent hardships. But by constant study and close observation, he is well informed on the important events of the day. Mr. Barclay began for himself in July, 1870, as a farm hand, then as a salesman in a general merchant mill in Alabama. In 1877 he moved to Arkansas, settling in White County, and engaging in farming followed it for two years. At the expiration of the two years he accepted a position as salesman in Russell, but soon after accepting this he was appointed railroad and express agent of that city, which office he filled for one year. Mr. Barclay then started a general merchandise business, in this meeting with flattering success. He carries a good stock, which is valued at $2,500 to $3,000, and by his courteous manner and upright dealing has obtained a liberal patronage from the surrounding community. Mr. Barclay was united in matrimony, December 23, 1880, to Miss Fannie N. Watson, a daughter of Hiram B. and Henrietta (Bankston) Watson, of Columbus County, Ga. By this marriage two children have been born: Fred B. (born August, 1881, now deceased), and Frank Carlton (born November 28, 1884). Mr. Barclay received the appointment of postmaster at Russell in 1881, holding that position until 1885, when he was reelected, and is still filling the office, discharging the duties that devolve upon him in a manner that is entirely satisfactory to all and commendatory to one in that responsible position. He is president of the school board, and takes an active part in all educational interests; contributes liberally to the relief of the poor, and is a thorough worker in all public enterprises. He is a Democrat in his political views and a Methodist in religious belief, though not a member of the church. Mr. Barclay is a Master Mason in good standing, also belongs to the Triple Alliance, a mutual benefit association.
John M. Bartlett is the son of George Bartlett, who was born in Kentucky in 1811, being married in Illinois, about 1830, to Mahala Gowens. She was brought up among the Indians and had Indian blood in her veins, her mother being a half Cherokee. Mr. Bartlett after his marriage settled in Illinois, where he remained three years. He them moved to Kentucky and remained there until his death, which occurred in May, 1864, his wife also dying within a few days. They were the parents of six children: Martha J., William, Thomas J., John M., Dudley and Elizabeth P. Thomas and Dudley are deceased. John M. Bartlett was born in Fulton County. Ky., in 1843. At the outbreak of the war, inspired by patriotism, he enlisted, May 1861, in the Fifth Tennessee Infantry and participated in the battle of Shiloh and in a number of skirmishes. After his term of service had expired he returned home before the close of the war and engaged in farming, and married, in 1864, Miss Josephine Baldridge, a daughter of one of the early pioneers of Kentucky. Following his union Mr. Bartlett immigrated to Arkansas, and settled in Van Buren County and three years later, came to White County, where he has since made his home. He has a fine farm of 120 acres, seventy-five of which are under cultivation. Mrs. Bartlett was a Free Will Baptist, and died in 1883, leaving four children: George (deceased), Jennie, Ida and Josephine. Mr. Bartlett was married the second time to Mrs. Sutton, a widow. By his second marriage he has one boy: Edgar. Mr. Bartlett is a member of the Christian Church, and is a member and the vice-president of the County Wheel. His influence in the affairs of this community has been of decided good
Judge J. J. Bell, the present efficient clerk of the circuit court and recorder of White County, is a native of Arkansas and a son of Robert S. and Louisa (Jacobs) Bell, natives of Kentucky and Vermont, respectively. Robert S. Bell was born in 1805, and when a young man moved to Arkansas and located in Monroe County, being one of the early settlers of that locality. In 1850 he became settled in White County, where he was engaged in his work as a Presbyterian minister, also serving as county clerk for four years. While in Monroe County he served as county clerk, and besides occupied the office of county judge for several years. He remained in White County ten years, but subsequently removed to the Chickasaw Nation, going there as a missionary and a teacher to that tribe. In their midst he remained until his death, which occurred in 1880. He was a son of James Bell, of Irish descent, who was a missionary Baptist minister, and died in White County. Louisa Jacobs was a daughter of Joseph Jacobs, of Vermont, who came to Monroe County at an early day, being one of the early settlers, and where he died. Mrs. Bell died in 1848, after which Mr. Bell married Arvilla A. Waterman, who is still living. By his first marriage he was the father of six children, our subject being the only one living. By his second marriage there are two children: Robert S., Jr. (who is a resident of the Indian nation), and Albert G. J. J. Bell first saw the light of day in Monroe County December 11, 1841, but accompanied his parents to White County when nine years of age. When sixteen years old he commenced farming for himself, at which he was occupied until the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted in the Eighth Arkansas Infantry, serving as second lieutenant of Company K, and participating in the battles of Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Atlanta, and a number of others. He was captured at Jonesboro, Ga., September 1, 1864, and was held twenty-one days when he was exchanged and rejoined his regiment. At the battle of Murfreesboro he was wounded by a gunshot in the forehead, and at the battle of Nashville he was again slightly wounded in the head. After the war he went to Tyler, Tex., then to Ouachita County, Ark., and in 1870 returned to White County, when he again turned his attention to farming. In 1880 Mr. Bell was elected clerk of the circuit court, which office he held for four years. In 1887 he was elected to fill the unexpired term in the office of county judge, and in 1888 was again elected clerk of the circuit court. His official duties have been discharged in a manner above reproach, and to the satisfaction of all and his own credit. Mr. Bell was married May 22, 1865, to Miss Sarah A. Banks, who was born in Alabama August, 1846. She came to White County with her parents when a child. Mr. and Mrs. Bell became the parents of eleven children, eight of whom are still living; William H., George H., Franklin, Charles E., Joseph T., Richard L., Sarah A., and Katie. Mr. Bell is a member of the Agricultural Wheel and is a strong Democrat. He and his wife are also associated with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
John W. Benton has been worthily identified with White County's affairs for a long period. His parents, William and Malinda E. (Wilson), were natives of Virginia and Georgia, respectively. The former was born in 1803, and was a son of John Wilson, who moved from Virginia to Georgia when the father of our subject was a boy. William Wilson married in 1824, and was engaged in the milling business all of his life. He became the father of eight children: Willis R., James W., Catharine, William M., Lucinda, John W., Steven and Martha. Mr. Benton died in 1887, and his wife in 1843. John W. Benton's birth occurred in Georgia in 1839, he spending his early life in the mill of his father. In 1858 he was married to Rachel Burket, a daughter of William and Rachel (Hughs) Burket, in White County, Ark., whither he had moved some two years before. Mr. and Mrs. Benton are the parents of thirteen children: Linda E. (who married David Volenteer), Francis B. (who married Frances Nipper), John Steven (married to Katie Coffey), James W. (married to Emma Horton), William M. (who married Etta Scruggs), Willis R. (married Jennie Copper), Jessie A., David H., Fannie S., Elneo L., Charley W., Mamie L. and Henry V. Mr. Benton enlisted during the war (in 1863) in Capt. Thompson's company, and took part in the Missouri raid, being captured at Van Buren and taken to Little Rock. Mr. Benton has a fine farm of 160 acres, with over half of it cleared. Himself and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, Mr. Benton being one of the elders. He is a Democrat in politics, and an esteemed citizen.
T. B. Bobbitt, M. D., is one of the most worthy men engaged in the practice of medicine in White County, and is much esteemed and respected by all his medical brethren. He was born in Gibson County, Tenn., November 8, 1849, and while assisting his father on the farm, he attended school at every opportunity, and by applying himself closely to his books he, at the age of twenty years, had a much better education than the average farmer's boy. Not being satisfied with the education thus acquired, he entered the high school at Gibson, Tenn., and formed while there a desire to enter the medical profession. In 1872 he entered the Nashville Medical College, graduated in the class of 1873 and the following year engaged in selling drugs. He next farmed one year and in 1876 began the practice of medicine in Madison County, Tenn., continuing there until 1879, when he settled in White County, at Antioch Church, and in 1886 came to Beebe. Since his residence here he has practiced his profession, kept a drug store and has farmed, and in all these enterprises has been successful, being now the owner of 500 acres of good farming land, lying in several different farms, and has 200 acres under cultivation. In 1873 he was united in marriage to Miss Eddie James, a daughter of Edward James, a native of Tennessee. They have four children: Nora (born March 1, 1875), Pinkie (born in 1879), Lawson (born in 1881) and Edgar (born in 1886). The Doctor is a member of the A. F. & A. M. and was a member of the K. of L. He and his wife and eldest daughter are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. His parents, T. J. and Elizabeth (Wallace) Bobbitt, were born in South Carolina and Tennessee, respectively, and the former at the age of seven years was taken to Tennessee by his father, James Bobbitt, who had previously been an infinential planter of South Carolina. They were married in Gibson County, Tenn., in 1835, and reared the following family: William H. (a lawyer of Humboldt, Tenn.), Caroline (wife of W. F. Lawson, at present mayor of Eureka Springs, Ark.), James (a carriage and wagon maker of Joplin, Mo.), Mattie (who died at the age of twenty at Eureka Springs, Ark.), Ellen (wife of H. M. Brimm, a druggist at Eureka Springs), Mollie (wife of William Boyd, an editor of Seneca, Mo.) and Lena (who died in infancy). Both parents are living in retirement at Eureka Springs and are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, the former a Mason and a member of the Union Labor party. J. N. Wallace, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was a soldier in the War of 1812, was a farmer and one of the pioneers of Tennessee.
Robert I. Boggs, a leading planter and stock raiser of White County owes his nativity to the State of Mississippi, and was born in June, 1843, being the son of John W. Boggs, of South Carolina. The former was born in 1815 and received his education in Yorktown, S. C., immigrating to Mississippi in 1840, where he married Catherine J. Smith in 1841. Mrs. Boggs was a daughter of John and Martha Smith, and a devout member of the Methodist Church. Her death occurred in 1889. Mr. and Mrs. Boggs were the parents of fifteen children: Mandy, Joseph W. (deceased), Robert I., James P., Newton J. (deceased), John (deceased), Martha (deceased), Lucy and Sarah (died at the ages of twenty-five and twenty-three, respectively), Franklin L. George P., Charley W., Margaret M., Addie E. and Harrison B. Mr. Boggs was a Democrat, and a man who manifested a great interest in all church and educational matters. He helped to organize the first church at Mount Pisgab, Mount Pleasant and Oak Grove, and has acted as class-leader in the Methodist Episcopal Church for fifty years. He is a member of the Wheel and also the Grange, and is enjoying good health, though passed his seventy-fourth year. Robert I. received his education in the county schools of White County near Searcy, and there married November 12, 1867, Miss Eliza J. Whisenant, of Mississippi, and a daughter of Nicholson and Nancy Whisenant, natives of South Carolina. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Boggs six children have been born: Ida M., James M., Edward, Robert C., Annie J. and John W. Ida and Edward are deceased; the rest reside at home. Mr. Boggs owns about 150 acres of good land, sixty in cultivation, and well stocked with all that is requisite to successfully operate a farm of that size. He is a member of the Wheel, in which he has held the office of president and vice-president, discharging in a highly commendable manner the duties of that office. He served in the late war on the Confederate side and entered in October, 1862, returning home in 1863, but again enlisted, remaining only a short time. In 1864 he enlisted again under Gen. Dobbins, his first hard fight being at DeVall's Bluff. He was wounded in the Big Blue Fight by a ball which struck him in the left cheek, but did not prove serious. Mr. Boggs received an honorable discharge and at once returned home, engaging in farming, which has been his occupation ever since, and proving very successful. He is a member of twenty years' standing in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and his wife has held a membership in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church for twenty-three years.
M. Love Booth, retired farmer and merchant, was born in Middle Tennessee, Bedford County, in 1819, but owing to his father's early removal to Haywood County, he was reared there. The parents, James and Mary (Lofton) Booth, were both Virginians, and after residing in Tennessee for many years they removed to White County, Ark., and died at the home of their son in 1861. He was a member of the Baptist Church, a Mason, a lifelong Democrat, and was for years sheriff of Bedford County. After his wife's death, which occurred in 1851, he married again and came to Arkansas. M. Love Booth is the third of their six children, four now living: John (deceased, who was a farmer in Tennessee), William (a farmer of West Tennessee), Samira (deceased), M. Love, Susan (the wife of Henry Bacon, of Mississippi) and Louisa (who is the wife of a Tennessee farmer). Our subject has been familiar with farm work from his earliest boyhood, but his early advantages for acquiring an education were not so good. At the age of twenty he was a farm hand, later a trader and stock breeder, and after his marriage to Miss Elizabeth Budrell he became an overseer, and successfully followed that-occupation for forty years. He then gave up that work and built a livery stable in Brownsville, his establishment there being the largest of the kind in the State. In 1858 he came to Arkansas and purchased 320 acres of land near El Paso, seventy acres of which he cleared the first year. He was signally successful until the war broke out, when all his personal property was lost. He did not espouse either cause, and was not molested during those turbulent times. When he came to El Paso there were only two farms open here, but now the greater part of the land is in a high state of cultivation. After the war he, with Thomas Warren, built a large mill, which was destroyed by fire, when he returned to his farm, which he again began to till. He became the possessor of 1,000 acres, and has cleared over 300 acres, and since giving each of his children a farm he still holds 310 acres. His wife died October 1, 1887, and since that time he has made his home with his children, and is at present living with J. T. Phelps, his son-in-law, in El Paso, where he has an interest in the store of M. L. Phelps & Co. Mr. Booth was the first man to build a store in El Paso after the war, and is now managing a livery stable in that place, and, although he has attained the age of seventy years, he is an excellent business manager and is very active. Although quiet in his habits of life, he has always been interested in the public affairs of the county, and has done his full share in making the county what it is. He joined the Masons while in Tennessee, and he as well as his children are members of the Baptist Church. His children's names are here given: Nancy (is the wife of Monroe Oakley, a prosperous farmer of White County), Rebecca (is the wife of John C. Harkness, a farmer of El Paso), Elizabeth L. (is the wife of Thomas K. Noland, a farmer of the county), Narcissus (is the wife of John Russ, a farmer and president of the State Wheel), Martha A. (is the wife of J. T. Phelps, a merchant of El Paso), Mosella B. (deceased) and three infants, deceased.
Gilliam Harper Booth, known to the citizens of White County as one of its wide-awake, energetic, ever-pushing men, is of Tennessee nativity, and a son of William A. and Delia Jane (Leathers) Booth, who claim Virginia and North Carolina, respectively, as the land of their birth. William A., the father of our subject, was born in 1811, and when a young man came with his parents to Mississippi, and later on removed to Fayette County, Tenn., and thence to Haywood County. He was married in Fayette County. In 1856, after the election of James Buchanan to the presidency of the United States, they removed to Arkansas. He was an emphatic Democrat, casting his vote with that party, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. William A. Booth was a son of Harper Booth, a Revolutionary War veteran, who served in that memorable conflict, and who died in 1859 at an extreme old age. The grandfather was a Virginian by birth, and a descendant of the Harper family from whom Harper's Ferry derives its name. Delia Jane Leathers was born in 1817, and was taken to Tennessee by her mother when a child of seven years. Mr. and Mrs. Booth were the parents of twelve children, four of whom are still living: Isabella J. (the wife of Dr. W. P. Lawton), Martha Ann (the wife of Capt. Rayburn, deceased), Gilliam H. (our subject) and Charles L. Gilliam H. Booth received his education at the public schools of West Point and at Judsonia University. His birth occurred August 26, 1850, in Haywood County, Tenn. He has been actively engaged in teaching school, clerking and farming, and owns a fine farm of 356 acres, with 150 under cultivation. In religion he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and a Prohibitionist, but, being a radical free trader, inclines toward the Democratic party, voting that ticket. In the community in which he lives he is regarded as a highly respected citizen
William F. Bradley is a traveling salesman for a Lynchburg (Va.) tobacco firm, and is a gentleman who enjoys the respect and esteem of the people of White County. He was born in Cald-well County, N. C., June 6, 1847, and is a son of Jackson and Martha (Ferguson) Bradley, who were born, reared and married in that State, the latter event taking place in 1841. Mrs. Bradley was born in 1825, was of Scotch descent, her grandfather having emigrated from Scotland to North Carolina before it became a State, and took part in the Revolutionary War, being in sympathy with the cause of the Americans. Jackson Bradley was born in 1818, and was of Welsh descent, his ancestors having come to America long before the Revolution. After his marriage he was engaged in farming in his native state until 1855, and after residing successively in Mississippi, Georgia, and Missouri, he came to Arkansas in 1861, and to White County in 1875. He resided on a farm two miles east of Beebe till his death in March, 1887, his wife preceding him to the grave by ten years. Both worshiped in the Missionary Baptist Church. William F. Bradley was the third in a family of seventeen children, the following of whom are living: Madelia (Mrs. Thomas), Amelia (Mrs. Mosier), Susan (Mrs. Bailey), Burton and William F. The latter received his education in the various States in which his father lived, and after attaining his twenty-first year, he worked as a farm hand for two years, then attended school at Butlerville, Lonoke County, for ten months. After teaching one term of school he engaged as a clerk at Beebe, at the end of six years engaging in the same business in partnership with J. T. Coradine, under the firm name of Bradley & Coradine. At the end of two years they took a Mr. Burton into the business, the firm then becoming Bradley, Coradine & Co., continuing such one year. Mr. Bradley then sold his interest, and became associated with Richard S. Bradley under the firm name of W. F. & R. S. Bradley, general merchants; but a few months later they made an assignment, losing all their goods. After this misfortune Mr. Bradley began working as a salesman, then secured a position as traveling salesman for Charles G. Peper & Co., of St. Louis, but at the end of a few months was compelled to give up this position on account of poor health. After recovering he worked for some time as a railroad clerk, then resumed clerking, continuing until May 1, 1889, when he accepted his present position with J. W. West & Co., tobacco manufacturers of Lynchburg, Va. He is nicely situated in the town of Beebe, and has a pleasant and comfortable home, and socially is a member of Beebe Lodge No. 145, of the A. F. & A. M. He has belonged to the city board of aldermen, and he and wife, who was a Miss Emma S. Dement, and whom he married November 4, 1874, are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. They have a charming young daughter, Maud E., who was born October 26, 1876, and is attending the schools of Beebe. Mrs. Bradley is a native of De Soto County, Miss., and is a daughter of James T. and Ellen (Binge) Dement, the former of Alabama, and the latter of Tennessee. Mr. Dement was a farmer, and in 1872 came with his family to White County, dying there a year later, at the age of forty-five years. His wife survives him, and lives with Mrs. McIntosh in Beebe. The following are her children: Betty J. (born in 1857, the wife of Dr. McIntosh, the leading physician of Beebe), Emma S. (Mrs. Bradley, born June 24, 1859), Ella (born 1861, wife of A. M. Burton, a prosperous merchant of Beebe), Jennie (wife of Maxwell Welty, a railroad agent at Beebe), and James T. (who was born in February, 1874, and is attending the high school at Beebe).
William Sackville Brewer. Ever since his connection with the agricultural affairs of White County, Ark., Mr. Brewer has displayed those sterling characteristics–industry, perseverance and integrity, that have resulted in awarding him a representative place in matters pertaining to this community. The paternal ancestors came to America prior to the Revolutionary War and settled in Virginia, the grandfather, Barrett Brewer, an Englishman, participating in that struggle. He married Malinda Pollard, and by her became the father of four children: Martha (Mrs. Sanders), Sarah (who first married a Mr. Harder, and afterward a Mr. Scott), Benjamin and John Pollard (the father of our biographical subject). The maternal ancestors were also English, and came to America while it was still subject to the crown. The maternal grandmother was a Sackville, belonging to the distinguished English family of that name. John Pollard Brewer was married to Susan Jefferson Townsend September 1, 1833, and to them the following children were born: William Sackville (born June 10, 1834), Martha M. (born July 18, 1836), James M. (born July 3, 1838), Pollard J. (born October 24, 1840), Sarah W. (born March 5, 1843), Andrew T. (born November 19, 1845), Benjamin A. (born May 19, 1848), John B. (born January 22, 1851), Mary E. (born September 19, 1853) and Karilla W. (born July 2, 1855). The father and mother of these children were born October 15, 1812, and March 14, 1817, respectively, the latter being of German descent, and a daughter of Andrew Criswell and Elizabeth (Barnett) Townsend. The father was one of the early settlers of Alabama, and represented Pike County in the State legislature. William Sackville Brewer was born in Pike County, Ala., and was educated in the subscription schools and reared on a farm. At the age of nineteen years he left home and united his fortunes with those of Miss Eliza H. Clayton, their union taking place October 10, 1852. She was born in Fayette County, Ga., June 6, 1834, and is a daughter of Richard and Jane (Carter) Clayton, the paternal ancestors being emigrants from Ireland to America prior to the Revolution. Mr. and Mrs. Brewer have a family of ten children: Susan E. (born September 6, 1853, became the wife of W. J. Turner in 1872, and died in 1883, leaving two children), Howell C. (born December 8, 1855, and died September 3, 1868), John William (born January 8, 1858), Ara Anna (born March 30, 1860, and died September 12, 1864), James R. (born September 18, 1862), Lela Lewis (born January 8, 1865, married D. A. King in 1882 and became the mother of two children), Henry W. (born September 1, 1867, and died June 8, 1871), Minnie Lee (born August 4, 1870), Robert B. (born March 23, 1872) and Richard J. (born December 24, 1874). Mr. Brewer has been a resident of Arkansas since 1873, and for two years farmed on rented land near Searcy. He continued to farm rented land until 1878, when he bought the farm of 129 acres where he now lives, of which about thirty-five acres are under cultivation. The buildings on the place were badly dilapidated, but Mr. Brewer now has all the buildings in excellent repair and his farm otherwise well improved. Mr. Brewer and his wife are professors of religion, and he at one time belonged to the Masonic fraternity, and is now a member of the Agricultural Wheel.
Charles Brown, M. D., was a native of Virginia, and was born May 3, 1783. He was the son of Bernard and Elizabeth (Dancy) Brown. He received his early education in Virginia, and later attended the Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, from which he graduated about 1807, subsequently settling in Charlotteville, Albemarle County, Va., and commenced the practice of medicine. Mr. Brown was married April 1, 1813, to Mary Brown, a daughter of Bezakel and Mary (Thompson) Brown, originally of Virginia, who was born April 24, 1790. They were the parents of the following children: Bernard O. (deceased). Elvira (deceased), Elizabeth D. (now Mrs. Jones, of Virginia), Bezaleel T. (deceased), Charles T., Algerion R. and Ezra M. Mr. Brown held the office of high sheriff of his county for two terms. His death occurred in 1879, at the age of ninety-six years; at the time of his death he was still a strong man with a wonderful memory. Algerion R. Brown was born in Albemarle County, Va., March 5, 1831. He attended the University of Virginia and in 1850 left it and studied medicine with his father a short time, and in 1852 went to Marshall County, Mississippi, where he engaged in the mercantile business until the war broke out. Mr. Brown was married January 26, 1855, to Mary F. Williams, a daughter of Alexander and Martha (Delote) Williams, of North Carolina nativity. Mrs. Brown was a native of Tennessee. Mr. Brown enlisted in 1861 for three years or during the war, in Company F, of the Thirty-fourth Mississippi Infantry in the Army of Tennessee. During the first twelve months he was first lieutenant, afterward was on staff of “general inspector,” and after the battle of Lookout Mountain he went back to his regiment and was placed in command of three companies for some time and was then promoted to captain of the engineer department of staff duty, filling this position till the time of surrender. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, and nearly all of the principal battles during the terrible conflict. Mr. Brown removed from Mississippi to Tennessee in 1881, remaining there four years, then moved to White County, Ark., settling in Cane Township on eighty acres of land, where he now has about thirty acres under cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have a family of five children and one deceased: Martha E. (deceased), Mary W., Susan W., Charles E., Samuel H., Walter L. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Mr. Brown has served as delegate to the district and annual conferences, and is one of the stewards of the church. He is an energetic and well-educated man, and a fine talker, and takes an interest in all school and religious work. He was one of the committee from Mississippi to the New Orleans fair in 1883.
Dr. R. L. Browning, physician and surgeon, Judsonia, Ark., Prominent among the comparatively young men of White County, whose career thus far has been both honorable and successful, is the subject of the present sketch. His father, R. C. Browning was a native of Kentucky, and while attending school in Indiana, met and married the mother of the Doctor, her maiden name being Miss Eliza Frady. She was born in North Carolina, but was reared in Indiana. After their marriage the parents settled in Kentucky, and here the father followed teaching until 1849, when he moved to Sac County, Iowa, where he followed agricultural pursuits for a means of livelihood. He took an active part in politics, was county treasurer of Sac County one term, and in the fall of 1870 moved to Judsonia, where he continued tilling the soil. In 1877 he engaged in merchandising and still continues in that business. He and wife reside in Judsonia. Their family consisted of the following children: J. H. (married and living in Judsonia), W. C. (married and residing in Kirksville, Mo., engaged in merchandising), R. L., Maggie (now Mrs. Marsh, of Judsonia), Viola (now Mrs. Drake, of Judsonia). Dr. R. L. Browning was born in Sac County, Iowa, in 1859, assisted his father on the farm, and received his education in the Judsonia University, one of the best schools of the county. He commenced reading medicine in Judsonia in 1877, and in 1878-79 took a course of lectures at the Cincinnati Eclectic Medical Institute, Cincinnati, Ohio, graduating in the class of 1882. He then came back and commenced the practice of medicine, where he was reared, and continued the same until the summer of 1882, having met with success and built up a big practice. He was married in Judsonia, Ark., on November 27, 1882, to Miss Emily B. Ellis, a native of New York, and the daughter of John Ellis, of English origin. Mr. Ellis came to this country, settled in New York, was civil engineer, and also engaged in horticulture. He came to Judsonia, Ark., in 1882, and died the same year in San Francisco, Cal., the mother dying in New York in 1872. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Browning were born two children (only one now living): Harry R. (who was born in 1887), and Carroll Ellis (who died in 1884, at the age of eight months and twelve days). Dr. Browning is not very enthusiastic in regard to politics, but his vote is cast with the Republican party. Socially he is a member of Judsonia Lodge No. 45,I. O. O. F., at Judsonia, and has been Noble Grand of the order. He belongs to the Missionary Baptist Church and Mrs. Browning to the Episcopal Church. The Doctor is secretary of the Building Association, also of the board of Judsonia University, and is one of the first men of the county. He has been unusually successful in his practice and has won the confidence and esteem of all.
Prof. Augustine W. Bumpass, a prominent citizen and teacher of White County, is a native of Madison County, West Tenn., where he was born, near Jackson, on January 22, 1851. He is the eldest son of Dr. E. L. and Lucinda E. (Young) Bumpass. His father was a native of Giles County, Tenn., where he was born April 15, 1816, being reared in Lauderdale County, Ala., and there educated both in literature and medicine. Gradnating at the Louisville Medical College, in the class of 1841-42, with the highest honors, he was for many years a prominent physician in Alabama, but removed to Madison County, Tenn., in the latter part of 1850, where he resided until 1856, at which time he removed to Arkansas and settled in Prairie (now Lonoke) County. Here, in a wild and unsettled country, he purchased land and opened up a farm, which he conducted in connection with his practice until his death, December 3, 1883. He was a man of generous and humans impulses, a warm-hearted and devoted Christian, and a member of the Christian Church. He was a Master Mason and a member of the I. O. O. F., standing high in both of those societies. An old line Whig until the dissolution of that party, he then affiliated with the Democratic party until his death. The mother of our subject, Lucinda E. (Young) Bumpass, was a native of Alabama, where she was reared, educated and married. She was the daughter of Elder James Young, a prominent minister of the Christian Church in Alabama. He died in 1852. Mrs. Bumpass died on December 5, 1881, aged fifty-nine years, eight months and nine days. Dr. Gabriel Bumpass, grandfather of Augustine W., was a native of North Carolina and died in Lauderdale County, Ala., in 1875, aged one hundred and seventeen years. He was the oldest physician in America, if not in the world, having practiced medicine for more than eighty years. He was a remarkable man in many respects, and as physician, farmer or merchant, was very successful. Our subject's parents were married in Lauderdale County, Ala., on May 18, 1845. To their marriage seven children were born, five sons and two daughters, five of whom are living, as follows: Mary E. (at Pine Bluff, Ark.), Augustine W. (near Searcy, in White County, Ark.), Samuel J. (at Lonoke, (Ark.), Edward K. and Ross H. (at Pins Bluff, Ark.), The two last named are mechanics and buggy and carriage manufacturers; Samuel J. is a farmer, stock-raiser and trader. Romelia C., the eldest, a daughter, and Robert W., the fourth child, are dead. A. W. Bumpass was reared in Tennessee to the age of five years, and from that time in Arkansas, where he was educated, obtaining a good academic instruction and preparing himself for the profession of law. However, he began teaching early in life and has paid but little attention to the law, except in the lower courts. Commencing for himself at the age of eighteen as a teacher in the public schools of his State, he has been occupied in teaching more or less for twenty years, gaining an enviable reputation in many counties where he has been engaged in the public and private schools and academies. He is a politician of some note, and represented his county (Lonoke) in the legislature, in 1879 and 1880, taking always an active interest in the campaigns of his party, Democratic. He was married in Lonoke County, Ark., on April 25, 1875, to Miss Virginia C. Kirk, a native of Marshall County, Miss., born April 11, 1856, a daughter of Richard L. and Virginia (Hayes) Kirk. Her father is dead, but her mother is a resident of White County, at the home of her daughter. Prof. Bumpass and wife have five children, four sons and one daughter: Edward W., Herbert R, Robert H., Prentice and Mary Moyner. The Professor is a member of the Christian Church and takes an active interest in church and Sunday-school matters. He has been Sunday-school superintendent for many years, was notary public from 1885 until 1889 in White County, and is a highly educated, intelligent gentleman, having the respect and confidence of those with whom he comes in contact. Generous to a fault, he aids all worthy enterprises to the extent of his time and means.
Patrick Burns was the second settler in White County, and for this reason, if for no other, deserves prominent mention in the present volume. Now the oldest resident of the county, he came here in 1844 and located some land, having to make the journey from Springfield on foot and passing about fifteen days en route. His arrival was in September and he remained in the wilderness country until the following February, when he returned on foot to Sangamon County, Ill., going thence to Ohio in the same manner. After about one year's stay in the Buckeye State he again came to White County and was engaged in farming until 1863. Going to Missouri he worked there at farm labor also, and in 1865 settled permanently on the farm where he now lives. His career since that time has been one of which he need not feel ashamed. Mr. Burns was born in Washington, D. C., in 1814, being a son of Thomas and Katie (Larner) Burns, of Irish descent. Thomas Burns was a laborer, and after marriage settled in Washington, where he died from the cholera, in 1833. His wife had preceded him a few years. Patrick was reared up to ten years of age in Washington, and then passed his time on a farm in Virginia, attending the subscription schools of that State. He went to Ohio in 1835, but one year later removed to Morgan County, Ill. Three years following he became settled in Sangamon County, Ill., his home until 1844. His subsequent travels have been noticed. Mr. Burns first opened up a farm of 120 acres here, which he has given to Mr. Sparrow, his father-in-law. Mr. Burns was married in 1850, in Pulaski County, to Edith Sparrow, a native of North Carolina. He was formerly a member of the Grange, and is now connected with the Agricultural Wheel.
George T. Burton, like so many agriculturists of White County, Ark., is also engaged in fruit culture, and has been exceptionally successful in these occupations. His birth occurred in Indians, in 1849, and he is one of nine children born to Eli and Mahala (Conley) Burton, the father having been born in North Carolina in 1812, the youngest child of John P. and Mary Burton, who were born in the “Old North State.” After living in his native State until he reached manhood, he moved to Indiana, settling in Lawrence County, where he followed farming and coopering and was married in 1834, his wife being a daughter of John Conley, who was born in North Carolina and came to Indiana at an early day. They reared a large family of children: Simpson, Wiley G., Catherine, Rebecca, Isom, John W., William H., George T. and Milton P. The father is a Republican in politics, and has held many public offices in the State of Indiana, and is still living. His wife died in 1852. George T. Burton received his education in the State University of Indiana, and in 1872, started out in life for himself, following the occupations of farming and fruit growing, which callings have received his attention up to the present time. After his marriage, in 1877, to Miss Mary E. Bundy, a daughter of William and Sarah (Cobbell) Bundy, of that State, he came to White County, Ark., and bought a farm of 160 acres, seventy-five acres of which he devotes to corn and fruit of various kinds, being especially successful in the cultivation of strawberries and grapes. He takes a deep interest in all matters pertaining to the good of the county and is agricultural reporter of White County for the Government. He is an earnest member of the Baptist Church and politically is a Republican. His children are: Eli N., Morton, Ethel B. and Benjamin H. Mr. Burton is a Mason and is a demitted member of the Grand Lodge of the State.
Robert W. Canada, a well-to-do farmer and stockman, residing near Beebe, Ark., has been a resident of White County for a period of time. He was born in Madison County, Tenn., April 3, 1829, and is a son of Hugh and Melissa R. (Duckworth) Canada, who were born in North Carolina, in 1808 and 1810, respectively. They were married in 1828, and in 1832 removed from Madison to Haywood County, Tenn., and here the father's death occurred in 1856. Their children are Robert W., Catherine (born January 1, 1831, and died at the age of four years), William J. (was born on May 16, 1833, and lost his life in the Confederate service, being killed in the battle of Atlanta, in 1864, and is now filling an unknown grave), Joseph V. (was born April 16, 1835, and died February 17, 1879, a farmer of White County), James R. (was born July 27, 1837, and died at El Paso in December, 1879, a merchant by occupation), John F. (who was born February 8, 1840, and died at Okolona, Miss., in 1863, being a soldier in the Confederate army), Alpha C. (was born April 16, 1842, and died August 8, 1881, the wife of A. L. Fisher, a farmer of Union Township), Mary E. (was born February 21, 1844, and is the wife of Richard Hill, a farmer of El Paso, Ark.) and Miles C. (who was born on September 20, 1846, and is now a farmer near Stony Point). Robert W. Canada spent his youth on his father's farm and attended the old subscription schools of his youth. At the age of twenty-one he began life for himself, and spent the first few years of his freedom as an overseer. This he followed in connection with farming until coming to White County, Ark., and a few months later entered 160 acres of land three miles east of El Paso, which he began to develop. Four years later he sold this farm and bought eighty acres near Beebe, but after residing here a term of four years he went to Illinois, and there made his home during 1865. In 1867 he made the purchase of his present farm of 100 acres, and by good management has increased his acreage to 500, and has 200 acres under cultivation, his land being well adapted to raising corn, cotton and fruits. Small grain does well also, and strawberries grow to perfection and are one of his most profitable crops. Since his residence in the State he has cleared over 200 acres of land and has built more good barns than any other man in the section of White County. Although his principal occupation has been farming he has been engaged in other occupations at different times, and in 1873 erected a livery stable in Beebe, the first establishment of the kind ever erected there. He managed this a few months and at the same time acted as constable, and later served as justice of the peace for eight years. In 1882 he kept a grocery in Beebe and during this time, and for three subsequent years, he acted in the capacity of postmaster of the town, having received his appointment in 1881. He has been a Republican since that party has been in existence, but he has never been an office seeker. He is a member of Beebe Lodge No. 145, of the A. F. & A. M., and has held all the offices of his lodge with the exception of Senior Warden. He is a member of the Agricultural Wheel, and is one of the influential men of the county, and although he differs from the most of the citizens in his political views, yet he is highly esteemed and his opinions respected. When Gen. Grant was elected to the presidency Mr. Canada was the only man in Union Township who voted for him. He has always been an advocate of schools and has contributed liberally to the building of churches, school-houses and to the general improvement of the county. October 28, 1851, he was married to Miss Mahala Hendrix, a native of Hardeman County, Tenn., born October 24, 1838, a daughter of William and Nancy (Clements) Hendrix, who removed from their native State of South Carolina to Tennessee in 1856, and were among the pioneer settlers of White County. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Canada are Sonora E. (born October 27, 1852, and died December 7, 1856), Almeda (born November 10, 1855, and died June 3, 1857), William R. (born April 26, 1858; is a merchant in business with C. A. Price, of Beebe), Joseph B. (was born September 17, 1860, and is a farmer of Union Township), Martha A. (was born October 15, 1869, and is a school teacher, residing with her parents) and Mary M. (who was born September 24, 1874, and died August 29, 1876). Mr. Canada has given all his children good educational advantages, and he and his family attend the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, he having been a steward in that church for the past thirteen years. Mr. Canada's mother still lives and makes her home with him.
R. W. Carnes, sheriff, Searcy, Ark. This gentleman was elected to his present office in September, 1888, and has filled that position in a capable and efficient manner ever since. He owes his origin to Carroll County, Tenn., where his birth occurred in 1849, and is the second in a family of five children born to John D. and Sarah (Dunn) Carnes, natives of Tennessee. The father was a physician and surgeon and died in Tennessee in 1857. He took quite an active part in politics in the early history of the country. The mother came to White County, Ark., in 1868, settled on a farm near Searcy, and here her death occurred in 1885. Of their family five are now living: R. W., Barbara A. and Alice (now Mrs. Magness), still residing in White County. R. W. Carnes passed his early life in duties upon the farm and in securing an education in the common schools of Tennessee. In 1868 he came to White County, following farming until 1882, when he engaged in general merchandising at Centre Hill, White County, and there continued for three years. In 1885 he embarked in the same business at Searcy, and continued at that for some time. He is not very active in polities, but votes independently and for the best man in the county, and in national affairs votes with the Democratic party. He is also deeply interested in educational affairs and is a member of the school board. Socially he is a member of Searcy Lodge No. 49, A. F. & A. M., and has been Worshipful Master of the lodge. He was married in White County in 1875 to Miss Anna Montgomery, a native of White County and daughter of J. W. and Ophelia A. (West) Montgomery, the former of North Carolina and the latter of Monroe County, Ark. The father is now deceased. Mrs. Montgomery resides on a farm. Mr. Carnes lost his wife in 1880 and was left with two children: Anna Belle and John D. His second marriage took place in White County in 1884, to Miss Eluora Neelly, a native of White County and daughter of Samuel D. and Sally (Montgomery) Neelly, natives of Tennessee and North Carolina, respectively. Her parents came to White County in 1855, and there their deaths occurred a number of years ago, the mother in about 1874, and the father in 1885. They were the parents of three children: Sally Mattie, Neelly and an infant. Mr. Carnes has seen many changes in the country since coming here in 1868, and has always taken an interest in the country. He is one of the prominent and representative men of the county.
William H. Carodine, known to be reliable and honorable, is a liveryman and planter of White County, and a native of Mississippi, being born October 3, 1843, in De Soto County. His father, William Carodine, was born in Tennessee, but immigrated to Mississippi, where he married Miss Emily Hall, also of Tennessee. Soon after their marriage they came to Arkansas (in 1860) and settled first in White County, but subsequently moved six miles west of Beebe, and in 1873 moved two miles south of this town, where the remainder of their life was spent. William H. was reared on a farm and passed his boyhood days in the pioneer schools, obtaining a good education there and in the common schools of Mississippi and Arkansas. In 1862 he started out in this world for himself, their first venture from home being to enlist in the Confederate army, under Col. Glenn McCoy's brigade, in which he served four years. He was in the battles of Prairie Grove, Pilot Knob, Jefferson City, Boonville, Lexington, Independence, and at Wilson's Creek, in Missouri. He was with Price on his raid through Missouri, and also at the battle of Helens, where he was slightly wounded, but during his entire service in the war he was never once captured. At the time of the final surrender he was home on a furlough. At the close of the struggle Mr. Carodine rented a farm and began working it with nothing but his own exertion to depend on, yet it is not strange that he succeeded, for with his great determination of purpose, the lack of “filthy lucre” would not prevent him at least from making an attempt to cope with the many hardships incident to his start in life. In October, 1867, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Massey, a native of Tennessee, but whose parents came to Arkansas in 1858. To their union three children have been born, two of them now living: Mary Jane, William (deceased) and Jones D. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Carodine purchased his father's homestead