Biography of J. O. Blakeney - 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 49 J. O. Blakeney, publisher of the headlight, at Morrilton, was born in Jasper County, Mississippi in 1852. He was the oldest in a family of eleven children born to Benjamin and Mary E. (Quarles) Blakeney. Parents were natives of Mississippi, where the father was engaged in planting. Paternal grandfather, John G. Blakeney, was a native of South Carolina, and immigrated to Choctaw County, Alabama, where he made a settlement, at an early day, and became extensively engaged in planting. Maternal ancestors were early settlers in Mississippi from Charleston, South Carolina; grandfather lived at various places in the former State, and for a time at Vicksburg for the educational advantages of his family. He died in Mississippi. Father removed to Arkansas in 1856, and settled in Prairie County, where he bought a large tract of land and became an extensive planter. He was one of the Douglas electors in 1860, and was a vigorous advocate for peace at the outbreak at the war; in 1862, however, patriotically following the fortunes of his adopted State, he enlisted in the brigade of Gen. N Ison, and was a member of that commander's staff till the General's death. He then joined a cavalry company in Col. Dobbins' regiment, serving in the Trans-Mississippi department, mostly in Eastern Arkansas. In the fall of 1863 he was transferred to the commissary department, and located at Gilmer, Texas, where he remained until the close of the war. Returning to Prairie County in 1865, he soon began merchandising at DesArc, and in 1872 removed to Little Rock and began business in that city, but died May 13, 1873, on the verge of his establishment there. This gentleman stood very high in Masonic circles, and was Grand Lecturer of the State for that Order just prior to the war, and had also held the same office in Alabama previously. He was an active and useful member of the M. E. Church, South. Mrs. Blakeney is still living, and resides at Little Rock. Mr. J. O. Blakeney was mainly reared in Prairie County, where the foundation of his education was laid in the school at Hickory Plains: after two years there, he went to Millersburg, Ky., for one year, and then attended St. Johns' College at Little Rock. His father's death occurring at this time, his services were required in closing up his estate. Mr. Blakeney now acted as station agent on the Iron Mountain railroad for three years, and in 1879 he entered the office of the Arkansas Democrat as book- keeper, and here began his newspaper experience. He remained with the Democrat for six years, and during that time was city editor for three years; then re- engaging as book-keeper, spent two years more at the desk, and in 1888 came to Morrilton and bought a half interest in the Headlight. In July of the same year he secured a controlling interest, and has since had charge of all departments of that journal. The Headlight has a well-fitted and equipped office, and does an extensive job work trade. In June, 1890, its facilities were further increased by the erection of an additional press room and the purchase of a new Mann cylinder press. The Headlight adheres to the principles of the Democratic party politically; in all local matters is outspoken and emphatic in instituting reforms or discussing measures for county progress and development. Mr. Blakeney was married in March, 1889, to Miss Annie Moose, a native of this county, and daughter of one of Conway County's most estimable citizens and oldest pioneers, Mr. J. M. and Sophia (Stockton) Moose. (See sketch of the life of Mr. Moose.) To this union is born one child, Mary. In secret societies Mr. Blakeney is a member of the Knights of Honor and Knights of Pythias, Hermion Lodge No. 28, of which he is the present Secretary. Religiously, both Mr. and Mrs. Blakeney worship at the M. E. Church, South, and are also active workers in the Sabbath school. Our subject, though quiet and unobtrusive, is most courteous, affable and gentlemanly in his demeanor, and since his residence in Morrilton has now a place among her most estimable citizens.