Biography of Pleasant H. Spears - 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 105 Pleasant H. Spears an influential and successful planter of Griffin Township, was born in Bradford County, Tennessee, on March 3, 1836. His parents were John T. and Agnes (White) Spears, both natives of the same State, their parents being among the earliest pioneers to that locality. To the union of this couple were born nine children, all of whom are still living. John T., with his family, emigrated to Arkansas in 1839, and located in Carroll County, where he began a long life at agricultural pursuits. His excellent wife died September, 1882. He has always been a prominent man in the encouragement of schools and churches, and affiliates with the Republican party in politics. Mr. P. H. Spears, the subject of this sketch, received his education in the private schools of his county, and at the age of 20 years embarked in the life and occupation of farmer for himself. On October 7, 1858, he was united matrimonially with Sarah E. Ketchen, a native of Alabama. To this union have been born 13 children, named Sarah C., William P., James M., Henry S., Mary O., John T., Cornelius (deceased), Millie, Florence (deceased), Joseph B. The other four died in infancy. Our subject served in the Federal army during the war, under Gen. McNair, in Co. D, Second Arkansas regiment. He was in the battles of Limestone Valley; was in Missouri during Price's raid through that State; was at Lagrange, Tennessee, at the time of the surrender. He at once returned to his home, and began a peaceful life of husbandry. He has always been prominent in politics, and in 1873, represented Newton County in the lower house of the General Assembly. In 1884, after having made his home in Conway County, he was elected Sheriff, and served during 1884 to '86. He is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, and has held nearly all the offices in Cleveland Lodge, No. 473, of which he is a member. Mr. Spears is an example of a self-made man; beginning, as he did with very little, he now owns 1120 acres of good land, and has the large tract of 550 acres under cultivation. All this is well stocked and improved. Mr. Spears is a popular and progressive citizen; he is one of the foremost spirits in any affair that tends to develop his country.