Goodspeed's Biography of James L. Messenger, Grant Co, AR

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Submitted by: Jackie Dill <JJDILL1@aol.com>
        Date: 27 Jul 2003

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James L. Messenger, of the firm of Messenger Brothers, merchants of
Prattsville, is a personage well known throughout that section of the
country, and an honored son of an esteemed father.  A native of
Mississippi, he was born at Fulton, August 9, 1855, and when about
five years of age, he came to this State with his father, John
Messenger, with whom he remained until he reached his majority,
receiving all the advantages that were to be had in the way of
schooling at that time.  He then engaged with the senior Messenger in
business in Grant County, in 1880, and a short time after bought out
his father's interest, and the present firm was formed.  They have
just completed a new building at Prattsville, 24x60 feet, and carry a
heavy and complete stock of general merchandise, enjoying a business
of about $20,000 annually.  Mr. Messenger found a worthy companion in
the person of Miss Sarah Leet, born and educated in Grant County,
where they were married in 1875.  They have six attractive children
who fill their house with sunshine and glee.  Their names are:
Arkansas Rosa, Mattie, John O., Esther Lee, Eugene and Ezekiel.  Mr.
and Mrs. Messenger are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
South, in which the former is secretary.  He was also appointed
postmaster in Prattsville, in 1886.