Biography of J. Maratta - Conway Co, AR

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Submitted by: Cathy Barnes <bbarnes@cswnet.com>
        Date: 21 Jun 1998
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
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SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Western Arkansas.
Goodspeed Publishers, 1891.

page 91

J. Maratta, a highly respected citizen of Conway County, was born in
Spencer County, Kentucky, in 1822. During the years of his life his
opportunities of attending school were limited to about seven or eight
months, but by diligent home study, and a naturally active mind, he
acquired a practical education that has served all his demands. He
left his father's home soon after his majority, and began to learn the
house carpenter's trade, which after learning he followed as an
occupation. In 1853 he made a visit to a sister, who resided in Perry
County (now Conway). Seeing much in this section to admire, he
returned in 1855 and purchased 160 acres of land on the south side of
the river. He went back to Kentucky that winter, but in the spring of
1857 returned and made a permanent settlement here. He followed the
occupation of his trade for many years, and after a time began
surveying land. He was elected County Surveyor in 1873 and served from
1874 to 1876. He has served as administrator for a number of estates,
and is known by all to be accurate and reliable. He owns 400 acres of
land, one half on each side of the Arkansas. River, much of which is
choice river bottoms, on which there is 130 acres under cultivation.
The supervision and management of his farm is now his only care and
employment. His life is calm and tranquil among the friends with whom
he has spent so many years.