Biography of James P. Venable - 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 122 Hon. James P. Venable. Among the earliest settlers in that part of Conway County. near the present site of Springfield, was Thos. Venable and his family, who located there in 1839. At that time the nearest store and trading post was Lewisburg, 16 miles away and, along the trail were but two or three settlers. This as we see was then a frontier wilderness, and to such a place Thomas Venable brought his family and founded his home. He lived to see many settlers cluster about him, and a town with the county-seat spring into being adjoining his farm; he and wife were worthy citizens, and almost life-time members of the M. E. Church. Mrs. Venable died in 1867 at the age (about) of 67 years, and was followed to her eternal home by her husband, in 1870, who passed away at the age of 72. The Venables are an old family, of Virginia, where many of them live in Mecklenburg county, and controlled its affairs for a long time. Our subject's grandfather, was born there, but made an early settlement in Georgia, where he spent the balance of his life. Prior to the Revolutionary war, five Venable brothers came from England. They joined the cause of the Colonies, entered the army and three must have lost their lives in that conflict, as they were never heard of after. Of the two survivors, one settled in Maryland, but had no male issue, and one in Virginia, who reared seven sons, from one of whom this family in Conway County sprung. The name was then "Venables," but the final s was soon dropped. Many of the members of the family have been professional men, and the family are characterized for morality and intelligence. Paternal grandfather of our subject was John Still, who removed from South Carolina to Georgia at an early day; he was a man of means and education, a large planter, and died in Georgia. Our subject, James, was born in DeKalb County Georgia, in 1826, and is third of four sons and three daughters, two only living now, the subject of this sketch and his brother, Z. A. P. Venable. He came with parents to Conway County, where his studies began in Georgia were completed in about three months; his own studious inclinations induced him to seek instructions from his neighbors. In 1850 he went to California and followed mining till 1853, when he returned by way of the Isthmus. In 1854 engaged in business at Springfield, and continued two years, when he was elected to the Legislature and served one term; was on several important committees. In September, 1856, married Elizabeth, daughter of Jonathan and Elizabeth Hardin, natives of Kentucky and Arkansas, respectively, and who died in what is now Faulkner County. Mr. Hardin was an early settler and at one time represented the county in the General Assembly. In 1857 Mr. Venable moved to Pulaski County, where he made his home after the war, although in 1861 joined the Tenth Arkansas State troops, and in the fall of the same year was transferred to Company C, Tenth Arkansas Infantry, and served east of the river as Captain of his company. In the spring of 1862 resigned on account of ill health and came home. In June, 1863, joined Gen. Price's army, and served in the commissary department through the Missouri raid; was also in the raid on Cape Girardeau; surrendered at Jackson Post and returned to family. In 1874, and again in 1876 elected to the State Legislature. In political views has been a Democrat all his life, Member of the Masonic fraternity, but demitted. Has been a member of the M. E. Church since 15 years of age. Mrs. Venable and all the children are also members. Mr. Venable has lent a helping hand to all matters of public improvement, and has always been an advocate of schools and churches. To the union of Mr. Venable and wife have been born six children, one son and two daughters living, namely, Johnathan W., Katie, May and Bessie L.