Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Southern Arkansas Copyright 1890 Published by The Goodspeed Publishing Co.; Chicago, Nashville and St. Louis Biographical Sketches Names beginning with the letter M ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- USGenWeb NOTICE: Libraries and individual researchers may download this file for personal, non-commercial use only. Any other use requires written permission from the transcriber. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- HISTORY OF ARKANSAS. CHAPTER XXV CLEVELAND (FORMERLY DORSEY) COUNTY-DESCRIPTION-STATISTICS- ORGANIZATION-COUNTY SEAT AND BUILDINGS-SEAT OF JUSTICE-DIVISION INTO TOWNSHIPS-BOUNDARIES-CHANGES OF TOWN- SHIP LINES-LIST OF SUCCESSIVE COUNTY OFFICERS-CIRCUIT COURT-RELIGIOUS AND EDUCATIONAL ADVANCEMENT-VILLAGES AND POST-OFFICES EARLY SETTLERS-TIIE CIVIL WAR-THE COUNTY PRESS -RAILROADS AND GENERAL PROGRESS- BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. Extremes of fortune are true wisdom's test, And he's of men most wise who bears them best.-Cumberland. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Judge James McCaskill is an attorney of some fourteen years' experience, and is a lawyer of thorough preparatory training, both literary and professional. He was born in what is now Cleveland County, Ark., in 1849, within one mile and a half of where he now lives, being a son of Hugh G. and Elvira (Baggett) McCaskill, natives respectively of Simpson County, Miss., and Alabama, the former's birth occurring in 1821, and his death in Cleveland County, Ark., November 16, 1888, on the old homestead on which he first settled on coming to the county from Mississippi in 1847. He first became a resident of the State in 1839, coming here with his parents, Daniel and Ruth (Graham) McCaskill, the former from South Carolina and the latter from Georgia, Mr. McCaskill's death occurring in 1841. Of seven children born to them, all lived to be grown, and three are living at the present time. Hugh G. McCaskill was their eldest child, and came to Arkansas in his sixteenth year, and here acquired the most of his education and attained his majority. After the death of his father he cared for his mother, and in 1847 was married, and settled on the home place, where he made his home until his death. He was a man who took great interest in agricultural matters, and in the settlement of the country, and is one of the men who brought the country to its present admirable agricultural state. He was strictly moral in every respect, was an earnest member of the Baptist Church, and was never heard to take the name of God in vain. He served in the late war as a Confederate soldier, being a member of Company G, Second Arkansas Cavalry, and was with Gen. Price on his raid through Missouri, while under him being a participant in the engagement at Mark's Mill, Ark., also Poison Springs. After the war he returned to his family from Texas and resumed his farm work, which had been sadly interrupted, and continued to successfully till the soil until his death. To himself and wife a family of eight children have been born, four of whom lived to be grown: James M., Margaret, Eleanor and Alice, Margaret and Eleanor being now deceased. The mother of these children died in 1882, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and her husband afterward married again, his second wife being Mrs. Amanda Houslitch, nee Baggett, by whom he had two children, both now deceased. This lady is yet living and makes her home in Rison, Ark., with her son, Washington Houslitch. James M. McCaskill attained his majority in Cleveland County, and received his early training in the common schools. At the age of nineteen years he began clerking for himself in Pine Bluff, and then taught school for several years, his spare moments during this time being devoted to the study of law. He was admitted to the bar in March, 1878, and has since been an active practitioner, his thorough knowledge of law being known and recognized. In September, 1884, he was elected county judge, a position he held four years, and upon leaving the bench there was no reason to view his official career with disappointment. He is a strict temperance man, and while county judge refused to grant licenses under any circumstances. At his first election license was carried by a large majority, but Mr. McCaskill refused to sign the same, and at his second election the county went in favor of no license. He Las always been a strong Democrat politically, and be and his present wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He was first married to Miss Frances I. Donhom, who was born in Mississippi in 1852, and died July 3, 1873, having borne Mr. McCaskill a daughter, Eudora M., and after remaining a widower until May, 1888, Mr. McCaskill wedded Miss Mollie C. Stone, a native of Pulaski County, Ark. They have two children: Elvira E. and Hugh. Thomas Jackson McElheny is of Scotch descent, and although his birth occurred in Chester District, S. C., April 15, 1815, he has been a resident of what is now Cleveland County, Ark., since 1853, the same year of his arrival purchasing a portion of the farm of 300 acres, on which he is now residing. Upon his arrival here this county was known as Bradley County, and until after the war it also embraced a portion of the present Drew, Jefferson and Dallas. Bradley was made a new county and called Dorsey, afterward being changed to Cleveland County. Thomas' school days were spent in his native State, and upon attaining his twenty-second year he began life for himself as a farmer, and became one of the earliest settlers of Arkansas. Since coming here he has filled the office of justice of the peace, and during the late war was in the Home Guards for a short time, but was not in active service as he was a Union man to some extent and preferred to remain neutral. Although he usually votes the Democrat ticket he is not a partisan, and sometimes supports other candidates. March 22, 1838, he wedded Amaretta Bratton, a daughter of Joseph Bratton. She was born in York District, S. C., October 3, 1818, and by Mr. McElheny has become the mother of eleven children, four of whom are now living: Eliza Ann (wife of Matthew Durham, of this county), Josephine (wife of Wesley Johnson), Henrietta (wife of John D. Harper), and John C. (a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a well-known educator, and the present principal of the Whiteville Academy). Two children died after reaching maturity: Sarah Martha Davis, and Robert (who died while serving in the Confederate army). The rest died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. McElheny are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and he is a son of John and Sallie (White) McElheny, who were born in Chester District, S. C., the father's birth occurring in 1780. He died in what is now Cleveland County, Ark., when in his ninetieth year. He was a farmer by occupation, a soldier in the War of 1812, and usually voted the Democratic ticket. His wife died in South Carolina when about forty years of age, having borne a family of six children: Thomas J., Teresa (widow of Absalom Davis), and Eliza being the only ones living. Robert died when about sixteen years of age; Edward died in Mississippi in 1887, aged seventy-seven years, and James died in Cleveland County, Ark., when about sixty years of age. Col. Elisha L. McMurtrey, farmer. Rison, Ark. Of the thousands of brave men who went from their homes and faced the bullets of the enemy during the late war, Col. McMurtrey was one, and the record which he made during his career as a soldier is such as can be referred to with pardonable pride. In 1861 he joined Company E, of the State troops, and took part in the Oak Hill fight, after which the regiment was disbanded, and Col. McMurtrey came home. He then assisted in organizing the Second Arkansas Cavalry, being made captain of Company A, which he commanded until the early part of 1863, when he was promoted to the rank of major. About eight months later he was promoted to lieutenant colonel, which position he held until the close of the war. The first two years he operated in Tennessee and Mississippi, and during that time participated in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Bighton's Lane, Denmark, Holly Springs, Iuka Springs, Guntown and many other engagements of note. West of the river he participated in the battles of Camden, Jenkins' Ferry, Mark's Mill, Princeton, etc. He was in twenty-two regular engagements during the war, and surrendered at Pine Bluff in June, 1865. He was captain of the militia under Gov. Hadley's administration, and was colonel of the same under Gov. Garland. Col. McMurtrey was born in Shelby County, Ala., in 1822, and is the son of A. Campbell and Nancy (Lawley) McMurtrey, natives of North Carolina. The parents were reared in their native State, were married there, and later removed to Georgia, thence to Alabama, and in 1840 to what is now Cleveland County. They settled in the woods sixteen miles from any settlement, and the nearest trading point or post-office being Pine Bluff. There they died, the father in 1849, and the mother in 1850, and both members of the Methodist Church. The father was of Scotch Irish descent, was a farmer by occupation, and a man very much respected. He was a drum major in the War of 1812. The paternal grandfather was born in the Emerald Isle, but after marriage came to America, and died in South Carolina. He was a farmer. The maternal grandfather, Elisha Lawley, was a native of South Carolina, of German descent, and removed to Georgia, and thence to Alabama, where he died. He was a boy during the Revolutionary War. Col. Elisha L. McMurtrey was the third of six children, and is now the only one known to be living. Like the average boy of that early day, he worked hard to assist his father in clearing the farm, and received but a limited education. He came with his father to Cleveland County, and was there married October 16, 1845, to Miss Louisa, daughter of Silas and Nicy (Williams) Baggett, natives of North Carolina. Mr. and Mrs. Baggett were married in Alabama, and then removed to Mississippi, where the wife died. In 1843 Mr. Baggett came to Saline County, Ark., and in 1845 to what is now Cleveland County, where he died in 1866. He was a soldier in the Creek War, and was the son of Cyrus Baggett, an Englishman, who came to the United States when young and settled in North Carolina, where his career terminated. Mrs. McMurtrey was born in Greene County, Ala., and by her marriage to Mr. McMurtrey became the mother of eleven children, three sons and two daughters living: Eli A., Dr. John L., James M., Mary L. (wife of I. B. Williams) and Louisa. Since 1840 Col. McMurtrey has lived within a few miles of where his father settled when first coming to Arkansas, and he now has three good farms. He settled on his present farm about 1868, and has 640 acres with about 200 acres under cultivation, besides assisting all his children in getting homes. All live in the neighborhood where they were born and reared. Col. McMurtrey is a pioneer settler, and is probably the only survivor of the settlers who came here at that early day. For many years he was engaged in stock trading, and was also in the slave trade, and from 1854 to 1860 he followed merchandising on his farm. He is an honest, industrious man. In 1878 he was elected to represent what is now Cleveland County in the Legislature, and served in that capacity with credit and distinction. He has been a Democrat all his life, and voted for James K. Polk in 1844. He has been a member of the A. F. & A. M. for about thirty-five years, now of Culpepper Lodge No. 186, at Rison, and was a charter member of Moore Lodge, in which he was junior deacon. He and wife have been members of the Missionary Baptist Church for many years. G. G. Mallett, general merchant, Kingsland, Ark. Prominent among the successful business enterprises of Kingsland stands that of Mr. Mallet, who is the successor of Marshall & Webb, and who engaged in his present business in 1889, with a stock of goods valued at about $1,800. Mr. Mallett was born in Dallas County, Ark., in 1862, and is the son of George W. Mallett, a native of Mecklenburg, Va., born April 13, 1825. The elder Mallett was married in his native State, to Miss Mary A. Smith, also a native of the Old Dominion, and the fruits of this union were five children, all liv­ing. About 1847 the parents removed to Dallas County, Ark., and Mr. Mallett was for many years one of the most prominent men there. During the war he operated a flour-mill, eight miles from Princeton, and soon after that eventful period was elected to the office of sheriff, and served in that capacity for eight years, at the same time filling the position of bureau agent for the Government. He was afterward made circuit and county clerk, and continued in this office for eight years. He was also at one time assessor and treasurer of Dallas County. The last twelve years of his life were passed in Princeton, where he was engaged quite extensively in merchandising. He died January 2, 1877, but his wife is still living, and is a memberber of the Methodist Church, of which he was a member for many years. He was a member of the A. F. & A. M. G. G. Mallett was fortunate in ob­taining a good common-school education, and be­gan for himself at the age of fifteen years, by merchandising with a brother, at Princeton, for a number of years. He then ventured out on agri­cultural pursuits, and continued at this until about 1888, when he began merchandising on his own responsibility, at Princeton, remaining there until 1889, when he came to Kingsland. He has about 1,500 acres of good timber land in Dallas County, and is at present one of the leading business men of Cleveland County. He is a Democrat in politics, and his first presidential vote was for Grover Cleveland, in 1884. His brothers and sisters were named as follows: Claude D., Edith (widow of W. C. Holmes), Oscar and Anna W. James N. Marks is the present efficient surveyor of Cleveland County, Ark., and was born near Montgomery, Ala., December 16, 1825, being a son of Hastings and Sivility (Powell) Marks, who were born in Wilkes County, Ga., April 4, 1795, and February 10, 1803, and died in Cleveland County, Ark., in 1847 and August 15, 1813, respectively. They were married in the State of Georgia in 1819, and in 1824 moved from that State to Alabama, settling first in Lowndes County, and later in Montgomery County. In the year 1836 they arrived in Arkansas and settled on a farm in what is now known as Red Land Township, Cleveland County, at which time there were very few inhabitants between the Mississippi River and the Pacific Ocean, and only two families besides his own in the county; in a short time this number increased to five. All these families were wealthy in slave property, and after the county became thickly settled they were accounted among its wealthiest citizens. Hastings Marks was a Democrat in his political views, was treasurer of Bradley County for many years, and was a participant in the War of 1812, and took part in many battles with the Indians, being under the command of Gen. Floyd. The Marks family are of English and German descent, and three members of this family were commissioned officers in the American army during the Revolution. The paternal grandfather, John Marks, was born in the Old Dominion and was a wealthy planter. He died in Montgomery County, Ala., having been a man of extraordinary genius and ability. To Hastings Marks and his wife a family of eight children have been born, five of whom are now living: John (a prominent planter of Calhoun County, Ark.), James N. (the immediate subject of this biography), George M. (a farmer residing near New Edinburg), and Evan P. (a well-known merchant of that place). It was in the wilderness, amidst a sparse population, that James N. Marks spent his early life, but prior to coming to this region he had attended school at Lawrenceville, Ga., the famous philosopher and humorist, Bill Arp, being a student there at the same time. Mr. Marks can not remember the time that he could not read and write, and in early boy- hood he contracted a habit of reading and study which has since followed him through life. After reading ancient history he became interested in Locke's Essays on the Human Understanding, and although he could not comprehend all he read of that philosopher, yet he was a hard and faithful student. The next great author that engaged his attention was George Comb, and he studied his principles of phrenology until he mastered the main facts of the science. The general bent of his mind was toward metaphysics rather than physics, and no abuse or persuasion of his Irish teacher could induce him to forego the studies of the discoveries of Gaul and Sperzium. Soon after the commencement of the "Rochester Rappers" through the medium of the Fox girls, he became interested in that delusion, and by the study of Andrew Jackson Davis he became a convert, to which conviction he has since adhered despite the opposition of the church and the ridicule of the world. His political career can be briefly told. He voted for Peter Cooper under the conviction that banks of issue were a curse to the productive interests of the country; that none but sovereign power had a right to issue money; that the Government had no right to delegate a sovereign right to corporations, etc. There were only three votes cast for Cooper in the county, but Mr. Marks stood to his convictions in defiance of all opposition. He also voted for Gen. Weaver. While Cleveland County was still a portion of Bradley County, he was elected on the Democratic ticket to the office of county surveyor, and he has served in this capacity ever since, with the exception of four years although he has never been a political aspirant, and even then he did the most of the surveying for the connty. In 1881 he was the Greenback nominee for the State Legislature, and although the Democrats carried a solid negro vote against him, he was only defeated by one hundred and seven votes, carrying half the townships in the county. For fear of being beaten the Democrats called Col. Ben. Johnson, one of their best orators, and a candidate for Congress, into the canvass, and this gentleman spoke in every precinct in the county. The sole object of Mr. Marks in this canvass was to popularize his party, and he accomplished his purpose so that Mr. Foster was elected at the next election. In this canvass he won the friendship and confidence of Col. R. K. Garland, who had a great respect for his ability. He has always been a strong advocate of temperance, voting for the suppression of intemperance whenever an opportunity presented itself, and he has also been an unshaken advocate of women's suffrage. In 1883 he established the Kaleidoscope at Kingsland, and edited the same with success for the short time he occupied the tripod. He became very much dissatisfied with the management of the paper, and sold out to his partner, who never received another subscriber after the dissolution. He has gained a local reputation as a newspaper correspondent. Mr. Marks joined the Confederate army under Gen. Walker, near Arkansas Post early in January, 1863, and was immediately put under command of Col. Allen, of the Seventeenth Texas Regiment. After the fall of the post the army fell back to Pine Bluff, where he formed the acquaintance of Dr. J. D. Collins, of Kentucky, post surgeon at that point, and by him was put in charge of hospital wards, in which capacity be went from Pine Bluff to New Iberia in Southern Louisiana, thence to Old Opelousas, from which point he was sent to Arkansas for Dr. Collins' family, but instead of returning with them he joined the Second Arkansas Cavalry in the summer of 1863, being captured in September thereafter while on scouting duty near Pine Bluff. His days from that time until the close of the war were spent in prison, first in Little Rock, next in Rock Island, and then in New Orleans. During the summer of 1863 he acted as guide for Gen. Parsons of Texas, and won the complete confidence of his commander and the brigade. While acting in this capacity it was his duty to visit the various picket posts on the Saline River in company with Parsons, and this period is remembered by him as the pleasantest of his war record. Owing to the regard he has always entertained for Gen. Parsons, he felt great sympathy for his brother who was hung as an anarchist at Chicago. Mr. Marks was exchanged at the mouth of the Red River on March 25, 1865, and arrived home on May 11 of the same year. He had commenced life for himself at the age of twenty-one years as a farmer, but on returning home from the war found himself without means whatsoever, but being possessed with a determined spirit and a good constitution, he, to use his own words, commenced to scramble for bread, and his success in that direction he attributes to the faithful old slaves who stayed by him in spite of the allurements of freedom. Although his extreme bashfulness has been quite a barrier to his success he is the owner of 600 acres of fine land, a goodly portion of which is under cultivation. He has the reputation of being a brave and honest gentleman, and he owes no man anything but love. He is now engaged in the study of Christian Science, and says he thinks he may be able to so spiritualize himself as to choose his own time for dying. He was twice married; by his first wife (a Miss Douglass) he has two living sons: Junius D. (a successful farmer), and Harvie (an invalid). On December 21, 1855, lie was married to Miss Susan, a daughter of William Morgan of Georgia, her birth occurring in that State in 1834. They have reared a family of ten children: Virginia S. (wife of James M. Raines, editor of the Fordyce Enterprise, Sivility S., Kate M., Zolicoffer, Hastings, Jackson, Susan, Mattie E., James T. and Charly. Mr. Marks in his family government is Republican, each member, male or female, having equal rights. He is a member of long standing of the Masonic fraternity, and in his religious and political views has always been very liberal. George Meriwether Marks has been a resident of Cleveland County, Ark., for fifty-four years, although his birth occurred in Montgomery County, Ala., June 19, 1833, he being a son of Hastings and Sivility (Powell) Marks, a short history of whom is given is the sketch of James N. Marks, their son. George M. obtained a fair education in the common schools of Georgia, and in the Masonic Institute at Clarksville, Tenn., but after leaving the latter institution in 1855, he commenced merchandising at Mark's Mill, but at the end of two years he settled on his present farm in Cleveland County, Ark. In the month of October, 1863, he joined the Second Arkansas Confederate Cavalry, with which he served until the close of the war, taking part in the battles of Poison Springs, Mount Elba and many skirmishes. On leaving the army he still possessed his old war-horse, and he returned home and resumed the cultivation of his farm, which has received his attention ever since. His home plantation consists of 690 acres of valuable land, but he has 810 acres in another tract. November 22, 1857, was the date of his marriage to Miss Catherine E. Tolefree, a daughter of Dr. Robert Tolefree. The latter was born in New York City, was a graduate of Yale College, and was a physician of prominence, being also a practitioner of law. He died at Monticello, Ga., February 1, 1850. To Mr. and Mrs. Marks a family of ten children have been born: Fannie D. (wife of Frank McGehee, an attorney of Varner, Ark.), Amelia M., Anna L. (who was born June 20, 1864, and died January 21, 1887, the wife of J. S. Moseley), Mattie H. (wife of E. B. Atwood, a farmer of the county), Deborah C., Robert T., George E., Clara W., Barbara T., and Ruth (who was born March 30, 1883, and died August 23, 1887). Mrs. Marks is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and in his religious views Mr. Mark is a Unitarian. He is a Mason and is a Democrat. Evan P. Marks, merchant. Considering the fact that Mr. Marks began life for himself with little or no means to start on, his career has been more than ordinarily successful, and since 1869 he has been successfully engaged in merchandising. He was born near where he now lives on July 27, 1839, and is a son of Hastings and Sivility (Powell) Marks, who were born in Georgia in 1795 and 1805, and died in Arkansas in 186 and 1873 respectively. They were married in Georgia, and moved from there to Montgomery County, Ala., and thence to Union County, Ark., in 1836, being among the early agriculturists of that region, and the first family to locate near where New Edinburg now is. To them a family of ten children were born, four of whom are now living: John H: (a farmer of Calhoun County, Ark.), James N. (a farmer and surveyor of Cleveland County), George DI. (a farmer of the county), and Evan P. Those deceased are: Benjamin (who died when twenty-five years of age), Hastings (who died in Louisiana, while serving in the Confederate army), Eliza and Emma (who died young), Owen K. (in infancy), and Robert (who died when seventeen years of age). The Marks family are supposed to be of English descent, and on coming to America settled in Virginia, as early as 1680. Gen. Marks, of Revolutionary fame, belonged to the same family. Hastings Marks was a son of James Marks, a native Virginian, who moved with Gen. Matthews to Georgia, and in that State he was reared. After coming to Arkansas he became quite wealthy, and at the time of his death was the owner of a large tract of land and many slaves. He became well known. and was the first treasurer of what was then Union County. The Powell family are of Welsh descent, and Mrs. Marks was a daughter of Benjamin Powell of Hancock, County, Ga. Evan P. Marks, the immediate subject of this sketch, received his early education is Arkansas, but finished his literary education in Roanoke College, Salem, Va. In May, 1861, he left home and entered the Fifth Arkansas Infantry, Confederate States Army, Company C, and was soon promoted to sergeant-major of his regiment. In the fall of 1863 he was appointed adjutant of the Second Arkansas Cavalry, Trans -Mississippi Department, and in this capacity served until the close of the war, having taken part in the engagements at Perryville, Murfreesboro, and was in the engagements of the Missouri raid. He was neither wounded nor captured during his entire service, and in his own words, lie was the most fortunate man in the service. For four years after the close of the war he was engaged in farming, but in 1869 engaged in merchandising at New Edinburg, and this calling has received his attention up to the present time. He is associated in business with a Mr. At wood, and they do the most extensive business of any firm in the county, and are safe, reliable men of business. They are devoted to their work, and this, together with their large and select stock of goods, which they sell at reasonable rates, has contributed largely to their success. Mr. Marks is a Democrat, and is 1874 was elected on this ticket to the office of county clerk, the duties of which he discharged in a very efficient manner. February 23, 1865, he was married to Miss Mattie H. Thornton, a daughter of William S. Thornton, of Calhoun County. She was born in Chambers County, Ala., December 26, 1844, and has borne 'Mr. Marks the following children: Em ma (wife of William D. Atwood, the business partner of Mr. Marks). Gertrude (at home), Effie, Ions and Myrtle. Mr. Marks is not a member of any church, but it may be truly said of him that in every walk of life has been upright and honorable. James Edgar Martin is a stock-dealer and merchant of Now Edinburg, Ark., and was born in Bradley County, Ark., on May 27, 1852, being a son of Dr. John W. and Mary E. (Franklin) Martin, who were born in Virginia and Arkansas, respectively. Both are residents of Warren, Bradley County, Ark., and Dr. Martin is now seventy-one years of age. When a young man, in 1845 he removed from Virginia to Arkansas, and has ever since been a resident of Bradley County. He studied medicine in Virginia, and on coming to Arkansas entered actively upon the practice of this profession, but of late years his practice has been confined to a few of his oldest and most intimate friends. After the close of the Rebellion he opened a general mercantile establishment at Warren, and has become well and favorably known to many, not only professionally and socially, but as a man of business also. He has since the late war between the States been a Democrat is politics and although often solicited by his numerous friends to run for official position, he has at all times refused. His wife was born in Bradley County in 1830, and has lived here all her life. Both are members of the Presbyterian Church, in which he is a deacon, and he is a member of the Masonic fraternity. A family . of twelve children was born to himself and wife, eight of whom are now living, James Edgar being the second child. In his youth he attended the Warren High School, and is 1873 left his home to embark in the mercantile business, first as salesman at Collins Station, in his uncle's employ, then for the firm of Martin & Goodwin, of Warren. In 1816 he came to New Edinburg, and became an associate of Martin & Goodwin in the firm of T. M. Goodwin & Co., but in 1883 he became sole proprietor and has since been successfully engaged in business alone. In connection ,with managing his store he also deals extensively in stock, and is the owner of some very fine registered Holstein and Jersey cattle. He has been grading his stock for four years past, and now has one of the finest herds in the county. He is also the owner of 1,500 acres of land in Bradley and Cleveland Counties, a goodly portion of which is under cultivation, and is accounted not only a successful merchant, but an exceptionally successful farmer and stockman also. Like his father, he is a Mason and a Democrat, and his wife, whose maiden name was Mary Word, and whom he married on March 5, 1884, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a daughter of James Word of New Edinburg. Mr. and Mrs. Martin have two children, Anna May and John Ernest. William F. Matlock, Sr., is a member of the well-known mercantile establishment of Matlock & Haskins, which has done and is doing so much for the advancement of New Edinburg, and vicinity. Mr. Matlock is a Georgian, whose birth occurred in Coweta County, February 23, 1828, and is a son of J. R. and Lucinda (hayfield) Mattock, who were born in Greenville District, S. C., and Georgia, is 1796 and 1798, respectively, and died in what is now Cleveland County. Ark., in 1860, their deaths occurring about ten days apart. J. R. Matlock removed from his native State to Georgia, when a young man, and there made his home until 1834, when he moved with his family to Alabama, and ten years later came to Bradley County, Ark., where they spent the rest of their days. Mr. Mattock was an agriculturist throughout life, and while a resident of Georgia, carried the mail from Rome, Ga., to what is now known as Gadsden, Ala., and in 1836-37 helped remove the Indians from Alabama and Georgia to the Indian Territory. He and wife were members of the Primitive Baptist Church for many years, and he was a Democrat politically. The Matlocks are of Scotch descent, but his mother was a native of Holland, and lived to be one hundred and eight years of age. There were born to their union eight sons and seven daughters, of whom William F. Mattock was the fifth child. His school days were spent in Bradley County, Ark., and when twenty-two years of age he commenced to farm for himself near where he now does business. In 1866 he began selling merchandise at his present stand, being the first man to go into business at this point, but at the end of two years he gave up this work, and again turned his attention to farming, and was a successful tiller of tire soil until 1877. Since that time he has devoted his time and attention to merchandising, and besides his mercantile establishment he is the owner of 360 acres of land, a large portion of which is under cultivation. In 1853 he was married to Mrs. Amelia M. Tolefree, a daughter of David Meriwether. She was born in Jasper County, Ga., April 29, 1822, and was the widow of Robert Tolefree. Her union with Air. Matlock has resulted in the birth of the following children: Rebecca M. (wife of T. M. Boyd, a farmer, of Cleveland County), Anna D. (who also married a farmer of the county), and Elma S. Those deceased are: David M., and Carrie A. (who was the wife of W . H. Harrison, her death occurring in 1882). Mr. and Mrs. Matlock are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and he is a Royal Arch Mason, and a Democrat, politically. G. A. J. May is the present efficient postmaster of the town of Toledo, but besides devoting his attention to this calling, he is also engaged in merchandising and farming, these occupations fully occupying his time. He is a Virginian by birth, born in 1835, .a son of Gabriel and Elizabeth (Still) May, who were also born in that State. In 1836 they removed to the State of Mississippi, but. in 1849 took up their abode in Bradley County, Ark., where they settled (now Cleveland County), being in a very wild and unimproved condition. As the father had been a faithful soldier in the War of 1812, he was given a land warrant of 160 acres, in the State of Arkansas, and on this farm he continued to reside until his death, which occurred in 1864, at the age of seventy-two years, his wife's death occurring in 1856, when sixty-two years of age. The latter was a member of the Baptist Church, and bore her husband ten children, all living to be grown, and three yet living, of whom the subject of this sketch is the youngest. Those living are: Sarah (the eldest child, a resident of Cleveland County, Ark.), J. J. and G. A. J. The latter attained his majority in this county, and here his early education was also received. At the opening of the Rebellion he put on his suit of gray, shouldered his musket, and was on active duty for the cause of the Confederacy, until just before the close of the war, when he came home. He was taken prisoner at Pine Bluff, Ark., but was soon after released. He was at Shiloh, Corinth, and also at a number of battles, and after the close of the war returned to his home with the consciousness of having faithfully served the Confederate cause. Upon his return home he began working at the blacksmith's trade and carpentering, and followed these callings, in connection with farming, until 1878, when he leased a ferry on Saline River, for seven years, upon which he went to Rison, and opened a general mercantile establishment, which he conducted successfully, until coming to Toledo, in 1886, where he has since followed the same calling, in connection with farming, and discharging the duties of postmaster. He is an exceptionally intelligent and well-posted man, on all public matters, and the people showed their appreciation of his merits by electing him to the office of special probate judge of the county, a position he filled several terms, after which he discharged the duties of deputy county clerk for some time. Since he attained his twenty-first year, he has been a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has been master of his lodge at different times. Soon after the close of the war, he was married to Miss Laura A. Briggs, a native of the State of Mississippi, and a daughter of John Briggs, who died when Mrs. May was a small child, and she came to the State of Arkansas with her mother, who always remained a widow, in 1851, she being her only child. To Mr. and Mrs. May a family of nine children have been born, two of whom are deceased. Mrs. May is a consistent Christian lady, and is a worthy member of the Baptist Church. Benjamin N. Moseley, one of Cleveland County's leading citizens was born in what was then Bradley County, Ark. (now Cleveland), April 21, 1851, and is a son of Elijah B. and Harriett (Robertson) Moseley, natives of Alabama, their marriage taking place in their native State in 1846. After renting laud for one year they located on the farm in which Mrs. Moseley is now living. The father died on January 4, 1868, at the age of forty-five years. He was a Democrat, and his widow is a member of the Primitive Baptist Church. To them a family of twelve children was born, seven of whom are now living, of whom Benjamin N. is the fifth. He was educated in the school near his home and remained with his mother until 1870, when he began farming for himself and this occupation has since received his attention. In 1872 he purchased his present farm of 260 acres, ninety of which are under the plow, and deserves much credit for the success with which his labors have been attended, for when starting for himself it was without means. Upon the death of his father, he being the eldest of the family, it became his duty to provide and protect his mother and brothers and sisters. In 1870 he was married to Rebecca Reeves, a daughter of Reuben and Sienia Reeves, who are now residents of Cleveland County. She was born in 1849, and she and Mr. Moseley have become the parents of ten children: Lovett H., Joanna C. (wife of James L. Gallaway, a farmer of the county), Sienia H., Benjamin E., Lettie L, Lela R., Zilla E., William M., Oziah D. and Claudius L. Mr. and Mrs. Moseley are members of the Primitive Baptist Church, in which he is a deacon, and in his political views he is a Democrat. Jabus J. Mosley is a member of an old and prominent family, and although he has been a resident of Arkansas since 1850, he was born in the Palmetto State, June 21, 1830, being the third of eight children, three now living, born to William A. and Mary L. (Smith) Mosley, who were also born in that State, the father being of English descent. He is now residing in Cleveland County, and as he was born on January 2, 1802, he is now eighty-eight years of age, but shows very little the ravages of time, and gives every promise of living many years longer. He always devoted his attention to farming, in which he was quite successful. His wife died in 1834, aged about seventy-eight years, and she, as well as her husband, was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, she being connected with the same for over half a century. This worthy couple's union lasted sixty-eight years. Jabus J. Mosley resided in South Carolina during early youth and manhood, and at the age of twenty-two years began to till the soil on his own responsibility and his efforts were attended with such good results that he has made this his calling through life. In 1850 he came to Bradley County, Ark., and four years later located a portion of his present farm. He is now the owner of 800 acres, of which 125 are under cultivation. He joined an Arkansas Regiment of Confederate Cavalry in 1862, and was a member of Cabell's brigade until the close of the war. He was in the battles of Pine Bluff, Wolf Creek, Poison Springs, 'Mark's Mill, Jenkins' Ferry and with Price on his raid in Missouri. He was slightly wounded once. December 8, 1852, he was married to Miss Hepsey C. Brawner of Georgia, and by her is the father of three children: T. G., L. A. and J. S., all farmers of Cleveland County. Mr. Mosley and his wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, in which he is a deacon, and he is a Mason and a Democrat, and since 1868 has served as justice of the peace, and has proved an efficient incumbent of that office. Woodson Mosley, circuit and probate clerk, Toledo, Ark. The subject of this sketch -needs no introduction to the people of Cleveland County, Ark., for he is a native-born citizen of that county, and a man whose integrity and honesty of purpose is unquestioned. He was born in 1856, and his father, Wiley Mosley, is a native of Aiken, S. C., born in 1820. The latter was married in Calhoun County, Ark., to Miss Jane Elizabeth Brawner, a native of Georgia, burn in 1829, and they afterward moved to what is now Cleveland County, Ark., where Mr. Mosley had previously purchased land, and here they still reside. They were among the first settlers of this region, and are much esteemed and respected by all acquainted with them. The father is a successful agriculturist, and has followed this calling the principal part of his life. He served two years in the Confederate army during the latter part of the war, with Capt. Snell, of Gen. Fagan's command, Trans-Mississippi Department. He was all through Price's raid, and was wounded near Kansas City. At the time of the surrender he was in Texas. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Kingsland Lodge. His father, Absalom Mosley, was born in Aiken County, S. C., and there spent his life, engaged in tilling the soil. He was of English descent. The maternal grandfather, Tilman Brawner, was a native of Georgia, afterward lived in Alabama, but spent the latter part of his life in Calhoun County, Ark., where he died in 1366. He was a soldier in the early Indian wars, was of English descent, and was a prominent farmer sod merchant by occupation. Woodson Mosley, the second of six children, was early taught the arduous duties of the farm, and received his education in the common school. He afterward read law, later attended a law class in Little Rock, and was admitted to the bar there in 1881, but never practiced to any great. extent. He returned home and was engaged in merchandising, which he continued at Kingsland, until he was elected clerk of Cleveland County, in September, 1888. From 1881 until his election as clerk, he was notary public, and was also mayor of Kingsland a number of years. His marriage nuptials were celebrated in 1888, with bliss E. L. Smith, a native of Mississippi, born near Wesson, and the daughter of William M. and Z. J. Smith, who were natives of Mississippi, where they resided until 1881, when they moved to Kingsland. There the father died in 1887, but Mrs. Smith is still living. Mr. Smith followed farming until coming to Arkansas, and since that time has been engaged in a general blacksmith and wagon-making business. He served through the entire war in the Confederate army. Mr. Mosley is a Democrat in politics, and his first vote was cast for Gen. Hancock in 1880. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Kingsland Lodge. He is the owner of 300 acres of timbered land in Cleveland and Ashley Counties. Mrs. Mosley is a member of the Baptist Church. D. R. Mullis, farmer and merchant, White Oak, Ark. Mr. Mullis, who is numbered among the substantial and representative citizens of Eastern birth in Cleveland County, came originally from Union County, N. C., where his birth occurred in 1847, and to Arkansas in 1858. He now has a fine farm of 330 acres with 100 under cultivation, on which be located in 1884, and is engaged in raising cotton, grain and stock. In October, 1888, he embarked in merchandising in connection with farming. His parents, Henry and Esther (Ross) Mullis were also born in Union County, N. C., and there remained until 1858, when they moved to ', Arkansas, settling near where their son, D. R., now resides. The father followed farming and died there in 1867. His wife had died in 1865. The grandfather, Thomas Ross, died in Union County, N. C., when the subject of this sketch was a boy. The latter was the eighth of nineteen children, five sons and four daughters now living, and two sons in Cleveland County. The three eldest sons were in the Confederate army, and one son was killed at Chickamauga. D. R. Mullis grew to manhood on the farm, received a limited education in the common schools, and was married in 1872 to Miss Elizabeth Jane Rutledge, a native of Dallas County, Ark., and the daughter of Alexander and Margaret Rutledge, both natives of Tennessee. Her parents moved to Cleveland County, Ark., in 1850, and the mother died soon after. The father was a farmer, served in the Confederate army and died in 1884. To Mr. and Mrs. Mullis were born eight children, three sons and four daughters now living. Since his marriage Mr. Mullis has lived on his present farm, and is one of the most successful men of the county. He takes a deep interest in educational matters; is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Culpepper Lodge No. 186, Rison; is also a member of the Wheel, and his wife belongs to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party, and his first presidential vote was cast for Gen. Grant in 1868.