Biography of B. H. Bearden - Conway Co, AR *********************************************************** Submitted by: Cathy Barnes Date: 21 Jun 1998 Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm *********************************************************** SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Western Arkansas. Goodspeed Publishers, 1891. page 50 Rev. B. H. Bearden. Among the highly respected citizens of Conway County, none is held in greater esteem by his neighbors and friends than the subject of this sketch. He came to this county when everything was new and primitive, and was among the pioneer Baptist preachers to this locality. He assisted at the organization of most of the older churches of that denomination here, and has constantly served one or more as pastor since. He is also extensively engaged in planting, owning fine farm in Washington Township of 200 acres, with seventy- five under a high state of cultivation, which be has in the main cleared and improved himself. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Royal Arch Mason. Politically he affiliates with the Democratic party. The family are members of the Baptist Church. Since Rev. Bearden chose Conway County for his residence and his home, many changes have passed beneath his observation here, and those that promised to benefit the community have always had his cordial support. He has seen schools, churches and towns spring up, when on his arrival all was dense timber and wilderness. Mr. Bearden owes his nativity to South Carolina, where he was born March 1, 1824. His parents, John and Rhoda (Moore) Bearden, were also natives of that State; so we may conclude that his ancestors were among the earliest settlers there. To their union were born nine children, seven of whom are still living. He followed farming as an occupation in life, and died March 24, 1846. His excellent wife survived him many years, dying July 11, 1885. Our subject was mainly educated in the private schools of South Carolina. At the age of 20 years began life for himself by engaging in farming. On August 3, 1843, he was united in matrimony to Harriet Smith, a native of South Carolina. This union has been a long and happy one, and has been the result of twelve children, named in order of birth. Robert (deceased), Elizabeth, Nancy P., Cornelia, Gustavus F., Mary C, John W., Fannie F., George and Dora.