Biography of J L Short Jr, Fulton Co, AR *********************************************************** Submitted by: Michael Brown Date: 26 Sep 1998 Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm *********************************************************** page 302 Hon. J. L. Short, Jr. The public services of Mr. Short have been characterized by a noticeable devotion to the welfare of Fulton County, and his ability and fidelity in his present position have made a lasting impression upon his sphere of public duty. Although a young man, his name has always been closely identified with the interests of this section and he need have no fear as to his [p.302] future prosperity. He was born in Coffee County, Tenn., in 1858, being the seventh of a family of nine children, all of whom are living, born to Rev. J. L. and Frances B. (Campbell) Short, both of whom were born in Tennessee, the former's birth occurring in 1824. They were reared, married and remained in their native State until 1870, at which time they settled in Izard County, Ark, moving afterward to Sharp County, and finally to Fulton County, where the father engaged in tilling the soil and also preached the gospel,- being a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He belonged to the White River conference and was a circuit rider. He and wife now reside in Fulton County. The paternal grandfather was a North Carolinian. J. L. Short, our subject, was placed in school as soon as a suitable age was reached, where the opportunities afforded were enjoyed and improved to the best advantage. He attended an academy and evening high school, and the reputation he now enjoys as a bright and able young lawyer was acquired through his own efforts and at the expense of diligent study and hard practical experience. He graduated from the law department of the University of Mississippi in 1881, and since 1886 has been one of the leading members of the legal fraternity in Salem. In 1888 he was elected to represent the county in the State legislature, and is discharging his duties to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. He is a Democrat, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was married in October, 1886, to Miss Josephine Roberts, who was born in 1869.