CROSS CO, AR - J. D. BLOCK - Bio

***********************************************************
Submitted by: Jason Presley <daclyde@usa.net>
        Date: 17 Jan 2004
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
***********************************************************

----------------------------------------------------------------------
SOURCE:  Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern 
Arkansas. Chicago:Goodspeed Publishers, 1890.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

     J. D. Block.  To the thoughtful mind a contrast between the work of the
bar of the present day, and a lawyer's life journey fifty years ago in 
Arkansas, is something worthy of more than passing interest.  The great task
necessarily performed by those faithful practitioners of years gone by, did
not combine to form a smooth path of gentle declivity leading to a beautiful
temple of justice, elaborately arranged with all the comforts and belongings
of the present.  Neither is success in the legal profession now, won by lack
of energy or persevering effort, in the line of this gifted calling.  Mr. 
Block, one of the younger attorneys of Cross County, and its present 
prosecutor, has attained to a front rank as a member of the bar of the Second
judicial district.  Born in Poinsett County, Ark., he is the son of Maurice
and Anna W. Block, representative people of this county, to whom mention
is made elsewhere in this volume.  A thorough Arkansas by bringing up, as 
well as by birth, he secured a good common school education, which only
served to fit him more thoroughly for the study of law, whose practice he had
decided to make his life vocation.  After a careful course he was admitted to
the bar and at once entered u[on what was destined to be a remarkable
experience, for one so young in years.  From his majority the field of
politics seemed to offer unusual attractions for him, and at an early age he
was found active in local political movements throughout the Cross County.
In 1886 he was elected to the State legislature, and had the distinction of 
being the youngest member in that important body.  His term of service was
marked by such decided ability and fitness for the position, that he was
subsequently honored by being made prosecuting attorney of his district, 
receiving the largest vote given any man on the ticket.  Mr. Block has also
help the office of county school examiner.  His public life has already been
one to which he may refer with credit.  Brave, candid, truthful, with decided
opinion, his moral and political convictions have been strong and unwavering.
His manners stamp him a gentleman, and his career thus far promises to render
him one of the most distinguished of Arkansas' lawyers.  Mr. Block if for no
other reason would be prominently recognized on account of his connection
with that well-known family of Cross County, whose name he bears.