Biography of John H Westerfield - 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 127 Dr. John H Westerfield, a prominent physician and general merchant, of the firm of Spires, Westerfield and Allen, at Springfield, was born in Laurel County, Kentucky, in 1844 He is the son of Dr. James C. and Nancy (Hopper) Westerfield, who were natives, respectively, of Kentucky and Tennessee, and were both born in 1814. This worthy couple were married in Knox County, Kentucky, about 1837. They resided in different parts of Kentucky, and for a few years in Tennessee, but in 1882 came to Arkansas, where the mother died in Benton County, in 1885, at a daughter's, and the father now makes his home with his son, Dr. Joseph. S. Westerfield, at Greenbrier, Faulkner County. This old gentleman was in the constant practice of his profession for over fifty years, and won distinction and success in this pursuit. He was the son of Dr. John Westerfield, who was probably born in Kentucky, and who was of English parentage. His people were among the earliest pioneers to that State. After the civil war John Westerfield went to Fort Gibson, Indian Territory, to reside with a son-in-law, and died there at an advanced age. He was also a physician, and manufactured much of his own medicine from herbs and roots. We thus find that this has been a family of physicians, which is traced back for three generations. Maternal grandfather Harris Hopper was a native of Tennessee, of English descent, but died in Knox County, Kentucky, where he had lived many years, a prosperous, well-to-do farmer. Our subject was the fourth of ten children, six of whom are still living, namely: William F., of Knox County, Kentucky, a soldier in the Forty- ninth Kentucky, Federal troops-he is a popular citizen there, and has held the office of County Surveyor; Mrs. Mary H. Catching, of Benton County, Ark.; Levi J., of Jasper County, Missouri, a farmer; Dr. Joseph S., a physician of Greenbrier, Ark.; Mrs. Sarah J. Evans, of Kausas, and Dr. John H., of Springfield. The subject of this sketch was reared on the farm, educated at the common schools and Laurel Seminary, and soon, after the war began the study of medicine, and graduated from the medical department of the University of Louisville, Kentucky, in 1871, He at once began the practice of his profession at his old home, but in 1872 came to Arkansas and located at Russellville, and soon after to Springfield, where he has since resided and practiced with much success. He also has a great faculty for business pursuits, and in 1887 established the present business in partnership with Messrs. Spires and Allen. This business has brilliant prospects, and is constantly increasing its volume of trade, doing an annual business of about $25,000. He has accumulated a large farm of about 1000 acres, nearly half improved, with a fine residence and pleasant surroundings. All this has been secured by his own efforts, as on his arrival at Springfield, he practically laid the first stone in the foundation of his fortune. He was united in marriage in 1874, to Dora, daughter of A. F. and T. A. Baughman, of Knox County, Kentucky. This lady died in January, 1377, a member of the Baptist Church. In March, 1879, was married to his present wife, Absela E., daughter of James E. and Absela E. Spires, who emigrated from Mississippi to Faulkner County, Arkansas, where they still reside, in 1877. The doctor was formerly an active Mason, was Master of the Lodge at Springfield, also a member of the Chapter and Council. In his political views he is a Democrat, though formerly a Republican; father a Republican, formerly a Whig. Mrs. Westerfield is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. To this union have been born one son and five daughters. The doctor uses his means and influence to encourage all worthy enterprises that promise to promote the general good. The college at Springfield owes much to his assistance and encouragement, and no community has a more deserving citizen.