Biographies - R-Y, Vol 3 - Greene Co, AR *********************************************************** Submitted by: George W Rowland Date: 17 Apr 1999 Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm *********************************************************** FATHERS OF THE RIDGE, Vol. III, Genealogical Sketches of Greene and Clay Counties, Arkansas by George W. Rowland, M.S., Ed.D. Copyright 1980 by George W. Rowland, P. O. Box 702, Paragould, Arkansas 72450. Printed by Crowley's Ridge College Bookstore and Press. [Excerpted here with permission of author.] GENEALOGICAL SKETCHES RAGSDALE James B. Ragsdale was born in Tennessee in about 1805. H is wife, Caroline, was born in the same state i n 1806. In 1840 James was living in Calloway County, Kentucky. By 1850 the family had moved to Greene County and settled in Union Township. Their children at this time were: Edward, 1837; Elizabeth C.,1841; James, 1845; Willy C., 1846; and Mary Jane, 1849. In 1860 James B. Ragsdale and his family were still living in Union Township. By this date another child, William D., had been added to the household. William was born in 1853. James' occupation is listed, in the census record, as "attorney". Willy C. Ragsdale, son of James B., married a woman named Deborah, born in Tennessee in 1855. In 1880 Willy and Deborah were living in Union Township and their children were: Oly V.,1876; and Oma, 1878. REED James P. Reed was born in Alabama in 1851. His wife, Nancy R., was born in the same state in 1857.1 n 1880 the family was living in Lawrence County, Alabama in or near the town of Brickville. Their children at this time were: Luella, 1877; and Ida,1880. In about 1888 the Reed family moved to Arkansas. In 1900 they were living in St. Francis Township in Greene County. By this time four more children had been added to the household: James Et, 1882; Annie B., 1884; Lawrence O., 1892; and Ma,` G., 1896. James was born in Alabama but ail the younger children were born in Arkansas. James P. Reed died on Feb.25, 1920 and was buried at Linwood Cemetery. Nancy Rebecca, his wife, is also buried at Linwood and her marker shows dates of Nov.23,1856 and Aug.19,1947. RENFROE S. P. Renfroe (Renfro) was born in Georgia in about 1802. His wife, Eliza, was born in the same state on 1808. In 1850 this family was living in Pickens County, Alabama and their children were: James, 1832; Elefare (a daughter), 1834; Samuel, 1838; and Cornealie (a son), 1847. Cornelia was born in Alabama, but all the other children were born in Georgia By 1860 the Renfroe family had moved to Greene County and settled in Salem Township. By this date one more child, ZT. (Zachariah Taylor?), had been added to the household. Z.T. was born in Alabama in 1851. In 1860 James Renfroe, son of S. P., was living; with his wife, Jincy E., in Salem Township and the couple had no children at this time. By 1870 James and Jincy had two children, but their names are not definitely known. E.J. Swindle, born in Arkansas in 1854, was a member of their household at this time. ROBERTS A. W. Roberts was born in South Carolina in 1811. His wife, Nancy, was born in the same state in 1817. In 1850 this family was living in Polk County, Tennessee and their children were: Benjamin F., 1839; Irwin J., 1841; Emily L, 1843; William L., 1845; Burchard A, 1846; Alfred J., 1847; and Nancy A, 1850. By 1860 the Roberts family had moved to Greene County and settled in St. Francis Township. By this date three more children had been added to the household: M. L. (a daughter), 1853; N. F. (a son), 1855; and M.E. (a daughter), 1858. Although the Roberts family was living in Polk County, Tennessee in 1850, only one of their children (Alfred J.) was born in that state. All the older children were born in Georgia, and all of the younger ones, in Arkansas. ROGERS Joseph W. Rogers was born in North Carolina in 1811. His wife, Elizabeth W., was born in the same state in 1812. In 1850 this family was living in Henry County, Tennessee and their children were: Julia Ann, 1839; Pertheney E.,1841; and Hugh B., 1849. By 1860 the Rogers family had moved to Greene County and settled in Union Township. By this date one more child, D. B. ( a daughter), had been added to the household. D. B. was born in Tennessee in 1851. Anna Rogers, born in North Carolina in 1777, was also present. ROMINES I AJ. Romines was born in Alabama in about 1821. His wife, Mahala, was born in the same state in 1824. In 1850 this family was living in Hardin County, Tennessee and their children were: James S., 1842; Mary A, 1845; William C., 1845; Mahala A, 1847; and Sarah C., 1850. By 1860 the Romines family had moved to Greene County and settled in Concord Township. By this time three more children (Rutha E., Richard, and Matilda C.) had been added to the household. James S. Romines, son of AJ., married a woman named Malinda, born in Arkansas in about 1840. In 1860 they were living in Concord Township next to James' parents and they had no children at this time. ROMINES II Tennessee Romines was born in Alabama in 1818. His wife, Rhoda A, was born in Tennessee in 1814. In 1850 this family was living in Hardin County, Tennessee next to the AJ. Romines family(see Romines I). The children of Tennessee Romines in 1850 were: William J., 1846; Samuel J., 1848; and Mahala A, 1849. Ala Romines, born in 1788, was also a member of the household. By 1860 Tennessee and Rhoda Romines had moved to Greene County and settled in Concord Township very near the family of AJ. Romines. By this date three more children had been added to the household: Mary E., 1853; Thomas, 1854; and Rachen (a son), 1855. These three were born in Arkansas. In 1870 Tennessee and Rhoda Romines were living in Bradshaw Township. By this latter date three other children had been added to the family Charles A, 1860; Martha K., 1863; and Bey D. (a daughter), 1865. ROSSON John Rosson was born in Tennessee in 1853. His wife, Sammie, was born in the same state in 1854. In 1880 the family was living in Gibson County, Tennessee and they had only one child at the time: Jessie, born in 1879. By 1900 the Rosson family had moved to Greene County and settled in Clark Township. Their daughter, Jessie, was still living with them at this time. John's occupation is given, in the 1900 census record, as "County Treasurer'. Lucy Stevens, born in Missouri in 1860, was a servant in the Rosson household. In 1916 John and Sammie Rosson were living at 221 West Main in Paragould. John was a livestock dealer and had his office at 110-112 West Main in the City. John was also Secretary-Treasurer of the Greene County Fair Association. John and Sammie Rosson are buried at the Linwood Cemetery. John's marker shows dates of 1853 and 1924. The marker for Sammie bears dates of 1854 and 1931. ROUNDTREE John M. Roundtree (Rountree) was born in 1827. His wife, Nancy, was born in 1829. Their states of birth are not positively known since census records show two different states for each of them. In 1850 the family was living in Washington County, Illinois at this time they had only one child, Allen B., born in Illinois in 1848. By 1860 the Roundtree family had moved to Greene County and settled in Concord Township. By this latter date four more children had been added to the household: William, 1851; James, 1853; I.J. (a daughter), 1857; and Joanna, 1859. All these children were born in Illinois. Jada Jackson, born in Illinois in 1847, was also a member of the household. RUSSELL J. J. Russell was born in Kentucky in 1824. His wife, E.J., was born in the same state in 1825. In 1860 this family was living in Hopkins County, Kentucky and their children were: Ann M., 1849; Joseph (James?), 1854; and William M., 1859. Elizabeth Fox, born in South Carolina in 1787, was also a member of the household. W. H. and Jane Fox, born in Kentucky in 1841 and 1842 respectively, were also present William M. Russell came to Greene County in about 1880. On Dec.27, 1883 he married Avery (Ava) Ann McHaney, daughter of Lafayette and Nancy C. McHaney (see McHANEY, Vol. II). In 1900 William M. and Avery Russell were living in Spring Grove Township and their children were: Cleveland, 1885; Ira Titus, 1887; James L.,1890; Zena L,1892; Fanny M., 1896; and Carlis (a son), 1898. Ira T. Russell married Jessie Little, daughter of James H. and Addie McIntosh Little (see LITTLE I, Vol. II). Their children are: Bert, Sherrell, and Robert. Bert is a resident of Paragould. William M. Russell died in 1938 and was buried at the Center H ill Cemetery. His wife, Avery Ann, died in 1944 and was buried at the same place. Ira T. and Jessie Russell operated a farm near Shiloh Church for many years. Ira T. died in 1966 and was buried at the Center Hill Cemetery. Jessie died in 1976 and was buried at the same place. RYAN W.Z. Ryan was born in Mississippi in 1818. The name of his wife is not known with certainty. In 1850 W.Z. was living in Phillips County, Arkansas and the other members of his household were: Nancy, 1836; John H.,1841; Thomas J.,1843; Nancy, 1844; and G.W. (a son),1848. By 1860 the Ryan family had moved to Greene County and settled in Salem Township. By this date three more children had been added to the household: Nancy A., 1854; Sarah J., 1855; and G.J. (a son), 1859. John H. Ryan, son of W.Z, married a woman named W.C., born in Alabama in 1846. In 1870 they were living in Salem Township and their children were: AA, 1868; and MaryA,1870. John W. Swindle, born in Alabama in 1842, was also a member of the household. Thomas J. Ryan, son of W.Z., married a woman named R.W., born in Alabama in 1826. R.W. had apparently been married previously. S.A E. Gwyn, born in Alabama in 1852, and Samuel H. Gwyn, born in Arkansas in 1858, were also members of the household. SANDERS I Ambrose Sanders was born in South Carolina in 1805. His wife, Sarah, was born in 1803, but her state of birth is not positively known. In 1850 this family was living in Randolph County, Alabama and their children were: Martha, 1835; Mary, 1839; Meda,1841; Manda, 1843; Caroline, 1846; and Willy -and Polly (twins), 1850. Caroline, Willy, and Polly were born in Alabama, but all the older children were born in Georgia. By 1860 the Sanders family had moved to Greene County and Settled in Concord Township. No new children had been added to the household during the previous decade. SANDERS II Joel Sanders was born in North Carolina in 1805. His wife, Mahala, was born in Tennessee in 1807. In 1850 this family was living in McNairy County, Tennessee and their children at this time were: Lindsey, 1829; Minerva, 1832; Angeline, 1834; Ann,1836; Matilda, 1839; Joel Jr.,1842; Mary, 1845; William, 1847; and Perry, 1850. There is no evidence that Joel and Mahala Sanders ever came to Greene County; however, it is known that their son, Lindsey, came to the County and settled in Union Township during the 1870's. Lindsey married a woman named Sarah S. while still in Tennessee. In 1880 their children were: Sarah A, 1852; Commodore P., 1856; Douglas, 1860; and Ulysses, 1862. All these children were born in Tennessee. Commodore P. Sanders, son of Lindsey, married Elnora Payne in Greene County on July 15, 1882. Elnora was fifteen years of age at the time. In 1900 Lindsey and Sarah Sanders were still living in Union Township and there were no other persons in their household at this time. The 1900 census indicates that Lindsey's father was born in North Carolina and his mother, in Tennessee. SCHUGG Mike Schugg was born in Germany in 1852. His wife was born in the same country in 1864. In 1900 the family was living in Main Shore Township in Greene County and their children still at home were: Andrew,1891; Myrtie, 1893; and Lawrence, 1899. Mike Schugg is buried at the Coffman Cemetery in the Coffman Community in eastern Greene County. His marker shows dates of July 5,1850 and June 11,1911. The marker for his wife, Pauline, bears dates of 1867 and 1902. A marker for Frank Schugg shows a birth date of 1889 but the date of death is not readable. Frank was the child of Mike and Emma Schugg. SELLS Wesley Sells was born in Tennessee in 1819. His wife, Susan, was born in North Carolina in 1827. In 1850 this family was living in Overton County, Tennessee and their children were: Sarah, 1844; and Elizabeth, 1847. Wesley and Susan Sells moved to Greene County and settled in Bradshaw Township during the early 1860's. In 1870 they were still in Bradshaw Township and by this latter date two more children had been added to the household: Handon, 1854; and James, 1859. Susan E. Snow, an orphan born in Arkansas in 1864, was also a member of the household. Apparently the Sells family became residents of Clay County, Arkansas when it was formed in 1873. SHELTON Hawkins Shelton was born in Alabama in 1818. His wife, Mary, was born in Tennessee in 1814. In 1850 the family was living in Giles County, Tennessee and their children were: David, 1838; Margaret, 1840; Emily, 1843; and Bradley .1.,1848. William H., James, and Mildred Ann Bunch (born 1843,1845, and 1848) were also members of the household. By 1860 the Shelton family had moved to Greene County and settled in Union Township. By this latter date two more children had been added to the household: Rhodrich (a son), 1853; and Mary W., 1859. Rhodrich was born in Tennessee and Mary W., in Arkansas. SHEPHERD Benjamin F. Shepherd was born in Tennessee in 1829. His wife, Sarah J., was born in the same state in 1831. In 1850 the family was living in Lewis County, Tennessee and their only child was Nancy J., born in 1850. Sometime during the 1870's the Shepherd family moved to Greene County and settled in Blue Cane Township. In 1880 Benjamin and Sarah were still living in Blue Cane Township. Their daughter, Tennessee, and son-in-law, James Sims, were members of the same household. Lindsey F. Sims, son of James and Tennessee, was also present Tennessee was born in Tennessee in 1860. James Sims was born in Arkansas in 1850. SIDES H.J. Sides was born in 1821. His state of birth is not known with certainty, since some records show that it was Alabama while others indicate that it was South Carolina. His wife, Sarah A, was born in Tennessee in 1826. In 1850 this family was living in Giles County, Tennessee and, at this time, there were no children in the household. During the late 1860's the Sides family moved to Greene County and settled in Concord Township. By 1870 several children had been added to the household: Thomas H., 1850; John G., 1852; James C., 1854; William R., 1858; Elizabeth, 1860; Calvin L., 1862; Wiley P., 1864; H.J. Jr., 1866; and Mary, 1869. Apparently the Sides family became residents of Clay County, Arkansas when it was formed in 1873. SIMS Marion Sims was born in Tennessee in 1825. His wife, Elizabeth, was born in Virginia in 1827. In 1850 this family was living in Henderson County, Tennessee and they had only one child, William, born in Tennessee in 1846. Sarah Walthall, born in Virginia in 1808, was also a member of the household. By 1860 the Sims family had moved to Greene County and settled in Concord Township. By this latter date three more children had been added to the household: Norton, 1850; Valsun, 1855; and Thomas, 1859. Norton and Valsun were born in Tennessee, but Thomas was born in Arkansas. SLOAN Simpson Sloan was born in Tennessee in 1816. His wife, Lelina, was born in North Carolina in 1820. In 1850 this family was living in Lawrence County, Arkansas and their children were: James, 1834; Alfred, 1836; Thomas B.,1838; Amanda J., 1842; Rachel,1842; May, 1845; and Emily, 1848. James and Alfred were born in Tennessee. Amanda J. was born in Missouri and all the other children were born in Arkansas. Apparently some of the children were from a prior marriage of Simpson Sloan. In 1870 Simpson Sloan was living in Myatt Township of Fulton County, Arkansas. James M. Sloan, son of Simpson, and his wife, Eliza (Lizzie), were living nearby. In 1880 James M. Sloan and his wife, Eliza, were still living in Myatt Township in Fulton County and their children at this time were: Rowen J., 1872; Mary,''1874; Sarah, 1876; and John B., 1879. In 1900 James and Eliza Sloan were living in Crowley Township of Greene County, Arkansas. By this time two more children had been added to the household: Linney B. (a daughter), 1888; and Walksey W. (a daughter), 1895. Sarah Sloan, daughter of James and Eliza, was married to Lock W. Rowland in Craighead County, Arkansas on July 14,1898. The marriage record indicated that she had been a resident of Mammoth Spring in Fulton County, Arkansas. Lock and Sarah lived in Greene County after their marriage. SMITH I A. B. Smith was born in Tennessee in 1829. His wife, Martha J., was born In the same state in 1830. In 1850 the family was living in Hardin County, Tennessee and at this time they had only one child, Matthew M., born in 1849. Matthew M. Smith became a Methodist minister and was the pastor of the First Methodist Church in Jonesboro, Arkansas during its early history when the congregation was still meeting in a small frame building. Harry Lee Williams "History of Craighead County" contains an outline of the history of the Church. "The Centennial History of Arkansas Methodism" written by James A. Anderson includes a brief biography for Rev. Smith. This sketch indicates that he married Mary L. Chandler of Jackson County, Arkansas After her death he made his home with his son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Ross Ford. Ross Ford was an employee of the Paragould Handle Manufacturing Company in Paragould for some years For a period of time after his retirement from the ministry, Matthew M. Smith was a partner in the grocery business with William O. Smith. Their store was located on North Fourth (extended) in Paragould. An article commemorating the seventy-second birthday of Rev. M.M. Smith appeared in the Jan. 12,1921 issue of the Paragould Soliphone. This article indicated that he was born in Hardin County, Tennessee in 1849. Matthew M. Smith died in 1929 and his obituary appeared on the front page of the March 14,1929 issue of the Jonesboro Sun. This article indicated that he had first moved to Arkansas in 1869. He moved from Harrisburg to Paragould in 1908. He was survived by three daughters (1) Mrs. Ross Ford of Paragould, (2) Mrs. J.H. Henderson of Helena, Arkansas and (3) Mrs. Hall Burton of the New Friendship Community in Greene County. Also surviving were three sons C.R. and G.O. Smith of San Francisco, California and W.O. Smith of Helena, Arkansas Other survivors were Mrs. Joseph McFarland, a sister, of West Plains Missouri and George L. Smith, a brother, of Houston, Texas Rev. Smith was buried at the Linwood Cemetery in Paragould. His marker bears the inscription " Methodist Preacher, fifty-four years". Matthews wife, Mary L., is buried nearby and her marker shows dates of 1855 and 1926. A brief biography of L.D. Smith, brother of Matthew M., appears in The Goodspeed Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northeastern Arkansas. This sketch indicates that L.D. Smith was once the postmaster at Tuckerman, Arkansas SMITH II AJ. Smith was born in Kentucky in about 1815. His wife, Angeline, was born in Tennessee in 1818. The county of birth of AJ. Smith is not known. However, it is known that he was one of the very early settlers of Greene County, having arrived sometime prior to 1840. In 1850 AJ. Smith was living in St. Francis Township of Greene County and his children were: John, 1839; Angelia, 1841; Mary, 1843; Isaac, 1845; James 1847; and Cynthia, 1849. In 1860 the AJ. Smith family were residents of Union Township. AJ. Smith's wife is listed as Martha A in the 1860 census record. Martha A was born in Tennessee in 1832. During the 1850'sseveral more children were added to the Smith household: Michael, 1851; AJ. (a son), 1854; Eliza, 1855; C.P.(a son), 1857; E.J. (a daughter), 1859; and Frasier (a daughter), 1860. SMITH III Hill B. Smith was born in Tennessee in 1853. His wife, Bettie, was born in the same state in 1858. In 1880 this family was living in Dyer County, Tennessee and their children were: Green, 1877; and Saluda, 1879. By 1900 the Smith family had moved to Greene County and settled in Cache Township. Evidently Bettie Smith had died by this time. Hill B. Smith's wife is listed in the 1900 census as "Emily P.". The children living in their household at this time were: Mandie D., 1882; Lucy L, 1885; Arthur, 1887; Pearlie, 1890; and Artie D.,1892.Mandie and Lucy were born in Tennessee, but the younger children were born in Arkansas. SMITH IV Seymour Smith was born in Indiana in 1848. His wife, Matilda J., was born in the same state in 1850 In 1880 this family was living in Eden Township in Mason County, Michigan. Their children at this time were: Violet, 1868; Ella,1871; William, 1876; Finley (a son),1878; and Mary, 1880. William was born in Indiana, but all the other children were born in Michigan. The birthplaces of the children appear to indicate that the family moved back and forth between the states of Indiana and Michigan. By 1900 the Smith family had moved to Greene County and settled in Clark Township. By this date seven more children had been added to the household: Samuel R., 1881; Mabel, 1883; Bessie E., 188! Charles E.,1887; Cyrie V. (a daughter), 1890; Lena K, 1893; and Jennings B.,1895. The three oldest children were born in Michigan, but the four younger ones were born in Arkansas. SMITH V William R. Smith was born in Missouri in 1854. His wife, Isabell, was born in Ohio in 1855. IN 188t this family was living in Bollinger County, Missouri in or near the town of Lutesville. They had only one child at this time, Charles F., born in Missouri in 1878. Elizabeth Smith, sister of William R., was also a member of the household. Elizabeth was born in Missouri in 1856. By 1900 the Smith family had moved to Greene County and settled in Clark Township. By this date four more children had been added to the household: Nellie G., 1882; Willis A.,1888; James E., 189 and Thomas R., 1896. Nellie G. was born in Missouri, but all the younger children were born in Arkansas Charles F. Smith was still living in his parents' household at this time. SPEARS Jane Spears was born in Kentucky in about 1806. The name of her husband is not known. In 185 Jane was living in Shelby County, Tennessee and her children were: Joseph, 1828; Jacob, 1830 Jenetta, 1833; Elizabeth, 1835; Eliza J., 1838; Burrill, 1840; Nancy, 1842; John, 1843; Emily, 1845; an Ellen, 1847. By 1860 Jane Spears had moved to Greene County and settled in Union Township. Nancy J. Crow birth date unknown, was living with the family at this time. SPEER William Speer was born in Kentucky in 1818. His wife, Jane, was born in Tennessee in 1823. In 1850 this family was living in Panola County, Mississippi in or near Pleasant Mount (now known a Pleasant Grove). Their children at this time were: James L., 1846; Sarah C., 1848; and John R., 1850. All the children were born in Mississippi. Elizabeth Smith, born in North Carolina in 1792, was also a member of the household. In 1860 the Speer family was living in Panola County and by this date five more children had bee added to the household. The census record is incomplete and these children are listed by their initial only: W.J. (a son), 1852; L. N. (a son), 1853; M. D. (a daughter), 1854; G.W. (a son), 1857; and W. l. (a son 1857. In 1880 the Speer family was still in Panola County. William's wife, Jane, had apparently die sometime between 1860 and 1880. By1880 William had married a woman whose given name was Nancy Hilyer. By 1880 several more children had been added to the household: Eliza Jane,1862; Stephen 1865; Robert Lee,1857; Henry J., 1870; Joseph E. M.,1872; Stanford B.,1873; and Addie B.,187E Tradition has it that the Speer family moved to Greene County, Arkansas in about 1882. William Speer died in 1898 and in 1900 his widow, Nancy H., was living in Spring Grove Township in Green County. Her daughter, Ella M.(born in Mississippi in 1882), was the only other member of her household Both the 1880 and 1900 census records list the birthplace of Nancy H. Speer as North Carolina. In 1900 Stephen Speer was living next to his mother in Spring Grove Township. The census record shows that he was a widower and names his children as Nora, 1891; Hattie, 1893; Alice, 1896; and Mar E., 1898. All these children were born in Arkansas Greene County marriage records show that Stephen H. Speer married Mary Cummings on May 29,1886. Mary was seventeen years of age at the time. Joseph E.M. Speer married Amanda Ramer (Raymer). She was the daughter of William T. an Elizabeth Ramer (see RAMER, Vol. l). In 1900 Joseph and Amanda were living in Union Township an their children were: Floyd, 1894; Flora, 1895; Claud, 1896; and Earnest, 1899. After 1900 Joseph and Amanda had several other children: Henry Loyce, 1901; Cecil, 1903; Estell Earl, 1905; Jewel, 1907; Eula H., 1909; Granville Edward, 191 1; Archie Woodrow, 1913; Laura, 1916; and Oscar Conley, 1919. Floyd J. and Henry Loyce Speer are buried at the New Friendship Cemetery north of Paragould. Earnest (William E.) Speer is buried at Shiloh and his marker bears dates of 1899 and 1967. Woodrow (Archie W.) and Estell Earl Speer are buried at the Mitchell Cemetery located about one mile west of the town of Greenway in Clay County, Arkansas. Woodrow died in 1973 and Earl in 1966. Joseph and Amanda Speer are buried at the Shiloh Cemetery. Joseph died in 1951 and Amanda, in 1963. Robert E. L. Speer, brother of Joseph E. M., is also buried at Shiloh and his marker bears dates of 1867 and 1937. William and Nancy H. Speer are buried at Fairview Cemetery. William's marker shows dates of 1818 and 1898. The marker for Nancy bears dates of 1841 and 1927. Cecil Speer, son of Joseph, married Leno Cox, daughter of Price Cox(see COX, Vol. III). Cecil and Leno now live in the Shiloh CommunityonHighway25 just east of Crowley's Ridge College. At the time of this writing, they have lived at their present home for fifty-six years. Their children are Cloyce, Frieda, and Charles Cecil and Leno are members of the Shiloh Methodist Church. Price Cox, Leno's father, was Superintendent of the Sunday School at Shiloh for many years until his death in 1929. The writer is indebted to Cecil and Leno Cox Speer for the information which they have provided regarding the Speer and Cox families SPEICE George Speice (Spiece) was born in Ohio in 1844. His wife. Isabella, was born in the same state in 1849. In 1880 this family was living in Reading Township in Perry County, Ohio and their children were: Charles, 1870; Thomas, 1872; Mary, 1874; Wilbert, 1875; and John, 1879. By 1900 the Speice family had moved to Greene County and settled in Clark Township. By this date four more children had been added to the household: Frank, 1880; Joseph D., 1882; Amy E., 1884; and Harry, 1886. Thomas M. Speice (son of George) and his family were also members of the household. Thomas' wife, Bertha, and daughter, Genevieve, were born in Ohio in 1875 and 1896 respectively. STEPP John J. Stepp was born in North Carolina in 1817. His wife, Elizabeth, was born in the same state in 1818. In 1850 this family was living in Murray County, Georgia and their children were: Susan, 1834; Nancy, 1836; Francis M., 1839; W.L. (a son), 1841; H. C. (a son), and J.K. (a son), 1848. By 1860 the Stepp family had moved to Greene County and settled in St. Francis Township. By this latter date three more children had been added to the household: Mary M., 1851; Mary V., 1855; and Lucresa, 1859. Lucresa was born in Arkansas, but all the older children were born in Georgia. STOUT James M. Stout was born in Missouri in 1847. His wife, Susan, was born in the same state in 1855. In 1880 the family was living in Poplar Bluff Township in Butler County, Missouri and their children were: Mary, 1877; and Anne, 1879. Mary Smith, sister of James Stout, was also a member of the household. Mary was born in Missouri in 1857. By 1 900 the Stout family had moved to Greene County and settled in Clark Township. By this date four more children had been added to the household: James H., 1881; Minnie F., 1884; Myrtle B., 1886; and Lora N., 1892. Lora was born in Arkansas, but all the other children were born in Missouri. STOVER Isaac Stover was born in Indiana in 1846. His wife, Catherine, was born in Illinois in 1850. In 1880 this family was living in Rome Township in Jefferson County, Illinois and their children were: Virginia H., 1871; Molenedell(a daughter), 1873; William A, 1876; and Mable C., 1879. By l900 the Stover family had moved to Greene County and settled in Clark Township. By this date three more children had been added to the household: Iva Mae, 1883; Isaac A, 1886; and Robert I., 1888. All the children were born in Illinois William A Stover was still living with his parents at this time. Dewey Roach, grandson of Isaac Stover Sr., was also present. Dewey was born in Arkansas in 1898. In 1916 Isaac L. Stover and his wife, Catherine, were living at742 North Second in Paragould. Isaac and Catherine Stover are buried at the Linwood Cemetery in the City. Isaac's marker shows dates of 1846 and 1927. The marker for Catherine bears dates of 1849 and 1927. SWINDLE Herrod Swindle was born in South Carolina in about 1794. His wife, Nancy L., was born in Kentucky in 1809. In 1850 the family was living in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama and their children still at home were: Diadoma (a daughter), 1828; Martha, 1833; Sarah, 1835; George, 1837; Nancy, 1839; James, 1844; and Reuben, 1848. Sometime during the 1850's Herrod and Nancy Swindle moved to Greene County and settled in Salem Township. As of 1860 only two of their children, James and Reuben A, were still at home. George W. Swindle, son of Herrod, married a woman named Virginia, born in South Carolina in 1848. In 1880 they were living in Cache Township and their children were: Nancy, 1864; Anna,1866; George, 1870; James, 1877; and Alvin, 1880. The two older children were born in Alabama, but the three younger ones were born in Arkansas Data given in the census record would seem to indicate that Nancy, Anna, and George were the children of George W. Swindle by a previous marriage. The same record seems to show that James and Alvin were the natural children of both George W. and Virginia Swindle. TAYLOR I The reader is referred to the Taylor sketch in Volume l of this book Since that sketch was written, one new bit of information regarding the family has been discovered. The family was living in Lincoln County, Tennessee in 1850. They may be located by referring to page 227, family number 143 of the 1850 census record for Lincoln County. Charles Taylor's name has been given in this record as " P.C. Taylor". C. R. ("Doc") Taylor, son of Charles P. Taylor, is buried at the Linwood Cemetery in Paragould. His marker shows dates of Dec.15, 1863 and Oct.7, 1958. Robert L. Taylor, son of C.R., is buried nearby end his marker bears dates of May 6,1913 and June 19,1948. TAYLOR II Stephen Taylor was born in Tennessee in 1831. His wife, Elizabeth, was born in the same state in 1832. In 1860 the family was living in Humphreys County, Tennessee. Their only child at this time was James R., born in 1858. James R. Taylor was a newspaper man and, at one time, was editor of the Soliphone in Paragould, Arkansas. A detailed account of his career may be found in Harry Lee Williams' "History of Craighead County, Arkansas". James R. Taylor died on Oct.31,1917 and his obituary appeared in the Paragould Soliphone. The obituary indicated that he was born in Humphreys County, Tennessee in 1854 (a date somewhat at variance with that given in the 1860 census record for that county). He came to Paragould in about 1886. As a boy he had attended school at Big Bottom located a few miles from Waverly, Tennessee. He was survived by his wife. He was also survived by two of his children, R. P. and Irene Taylor. Mr. Taylor's youngest son, Clyde W., died in 1915. James R. Taylor was buried at the Linwood Cemetery. TERRY John H. Terry was born in North Carolina in 1823. His wife, Elizabeth, was born in the same state in 1820. In 1850 this family was living in Gibson County, Tennessee and their children at this time were: Mary, 1846; Sarah, 1847; William, 1848; and James, 1850. Sometime during the 1860's the Terry family moved to Greene County and settled in Concord Township. By 1870 two more children had been added to the household: Charles E., 1853; and Jack E., 1857. Apparently the Terry family became residents of Clay County, Arkansas when it was formed in 1873. THOMAS Jefferson A Thomas was born in Tennessee in 1813. His wife, Rebecca, was born in the same state in the same year. In 1850 this family was living in Jackson County, Tennessee and their children were: Ferdinand, 1837; James, 1839; Revily,1841; Orville, 1843; Caroline, 1845; and James(no.2), 1849. Sometime during the 1860'sthe Thomas family moved to Greene County and settled in Bradshaw Township. In 1870 they were still residents of this township and by this latter date three more children had been added to the household: Jefferson H., 1850; Mary,1851; and Hampton W., 1854. Jefferson H. was a school teacher at this time. Apparently the Thomas family became residents of Clay County, Arkansas when it was formed in 1873. THOMPSON Professor Robert S. Thompson was born in Tennessee in 1844. His wife, Caroline, was born in the same state in 1846. In 1880 this family was living in the town of Alamo in Crockett County, Tennessee and their children were: Roberta A, 1870; James A, 1878; and Marian (a daughter', 1879. Tradition has it that Professor Thompson established a school in Alamo, Tennessee in 1883. He moved to Paragould in 1891 and established a school known as "Thompson's Classical Institute" (T.C.I.). A photograph of Professor Thompson and his 1897 graduating class is still in existence today. Many issues of the 1902 Paragould Soliphone featured community and school news One of these columns was called the "T.C.I. News". The April 10,1902 Soliphone featured the following regarding T. C. I.: " Miss Carlee Swindle, one of our brightest pupils is absent on account of illness We hope for her early return." It may be of some interest to note that Miss Carlee later became a nurse and for some years was employed by the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota (see TAYLOR, Vol. l). The 1900 census lists Robert S. Thompson and his family in Clark Township in Greene County. Robert's occupation is given, in the census record, as "school teacher. Robert's son, James was still living with his parents at this time. Guy, Paul, Julian, and Una Simmons were also members of the household. These children were the nephews and niece of Professor Thompson. Robert S. Thompson died in 1909 and was buried at the Linwood Cemetery in Paragould. His wife, Caroline, is buried at the same place. An epitaph relating to the many years of educational endeavor of Professor Thompson appears on his tombstone. THROGMORTON Robert Throgmorton was born in North Carolina in 1820. His wife, Lucinda, was born in Tennessee in 1829. In 1850 Robert and Lucinda were living in Henry County, Tennessee and at this time they had no children. Susan and Thomas Huff, born in Tennessee in 1828 and 1849 respectively, were also members of the household. By 1860 the Throgmorton family had moved to Greene County and settled In Bradshaw Township. By this latter date four children had been added to the household: John, 1850; Mary, 1852; Sarah E., 1857; and Susan E.,1849. The two older children were born in Tennessee and the two younger ones in Arkansas TlLLMAN Joshua E. Tillman was born in North Carolina in 1816. His wife, Matilda H., was born in Tennessee in 1825. In 1850 this family was living in Marshall County, Tennessee and their children were: Mary E., 1845; Susan K.,1846; and John C., 1849. George W. Dockery, born in 1837, was also present. By 1860 the Tillman family had moved to Greene County and settled in Bradshaw Township. By this latter date four more children had been added to the household: J. M. (a son),1851; Caledonia, 1853; W. E.A., (a son), 1855; and Robert, 1859. Robert was born in Arkansas but all the other children were born in Tennessee. In 1870 Joshua and Matilda Tillman were living in Chalk Bluff Township and by this date three more children had been added to their household: Sarah A., 1862; Martha C.P., 1864; and Carpolona (a daughter), 1867. Apparently the Tillman people became residents of Clay County, Arkansas when it was formed in 1873. In 1850 another Tillman family was living next to Joshua and Matilda Tillman in Marshall County, Tennessee. This was the family of Susan Tillman, born in North Carolina in 1787. It seems possible that Susan was the mother of Joshua E. Tillman. TOLER James Toler was born in Illinois in 1847. His wife, Susan, was born in Missouri in 1852. In 1880 this family was living in Stokes Township in Union County, Illinois At this time their children were: Almedia, 1872; Preston, 1874; Olive Belle, 1874; Idia, 1876; and Alice, 1878. By 1900 the Toler family had moved to Greene County and settled in Jones Township. By the latter date four more children had been added to the household: John,1884; Clarence, 1886; Charles M., 1888; and Carl G., 1892. Almedia Toler Emerson (Mrs. Maurice) died in 1921 and the Jan.26, 1921 issue of the Paragould Soliphone carried her obituary. This obituary indicated that she was the former Miss Almedia Toler who had come with her family from Illinois She was survived by her husband and five children. She was buried at the Jones Ridge Cemetery. TROTTER William Trotter was born in Indiana in 1844. His wife, Caroline, was born in North Carolina in 1843. In 1880 the family was living in Bogard Township in Daviess County, Indiana and their children were: James,1871; George F.,1872; Lily E.,1875; and John, 1880. By 1900 William and Caroline Trotter had moved to Greene County and settled in Blue Cane Township. By this time one more child had been added to the family Edward L., born in Indiana in 1882. James and John Trotter were still living with their parents at this time. George Trotter, son of William, married a woman named Martha, born in Indiana in 1879. In 1900 they were living next to William and Caroline in Blue Cane Township. Their children at this time were: Story, 1894; and Oliver C., 1896. Both children were born in Indiana Bert A. Fretz (Fritz?), born in Indiana in 1879, was boarding with the family at this time. TURNER John Turner was born in Scotland in about 1828. Tradition has it that he came to New York as a young man. From New York he moved to Tennessee where he was first married. It is known that John Turner was living in Clark Township in Greene County in 1870 and this is the earliest official record of him. There is no evidence that he had any children of his own, but he had a number of step-children as well as some who were adopted. John's first wife was named Elizabeth, born in Tennessee in about 1820. Elizabeth Turner died in about 1881 and on Oct 30,1882, John married Mrs. Catherine (Katie) Clark Katie Clark was the widow of Wesley Clark born in North Carolina in about 1817. In 1860 Wesley and Catherine Clark were living in St. Francis Township in Greene County and their children were: John, 1842; Rachel,1846; James, 1847; Abigail, 1849; S. E. (a daughter), 1852; Zillah, 1854; Thomas, 1855; and A. Jane, 1859. Catherine and Wesley later had three more children: Henry,1863; William,1866; and Charles, 1869. Some of these younger children became the step-children of John Turner. James Allen (Al Grooms gives some information regarding the John Turner family in his "History of Center Hill (see Greene County Historical Quarterly, Vol.5, No.3, pages17-18). Katie Clark Turner died in about 1890 and John Turner married Mrs. Susan Lowery, widow of a Baptist minister. The 1900 census for Spring Grove Township shows John and Susan along with Susan's children, Richard and Mattie. Richard was born in 1886 and Mattie, in 1894. Richard died in 1912 and was buried at the Pruett's Chapel Cemetery south of Paragould. John Turner lived to about the age of 93. During his last years he stayed with his adopted daughter, Louise (Mrs. Sam) Davis in Light, Arkansas Tradition has it that he was buried at the Center Hill Cemetery, but there appears to be no marker for him today. UNDERWOOD R.C. Underwood was born in Tennessee in about 1825. His wife, Charity, was born in North Carolina in 1826. In 1850 this family was living in Weakley County, Tennessee and their children were: Minerva, 1844; and Taylor (Zachariah Taylor), 1849. The Underwood family moved to Greene County and settled in Bradshaw Township during the early 1860's By 1870 several more children had been added to the household: Valeria W.,1851; Zefnire H. C., 1853; Rasmus N., 1856; Unicey E.A., 1858; Suloona O., 1860; Lora H. C., 1862; and Desdemona A., 1865. Lora was born in Arkansas and Desdemona, in Missouri. All of the older children were born in Tennessee. Apparently the Underwood family became residents of Clay County, Arkansas when it was formed in 1873. WAGSTER William Wagster was born in North Carolina in 1807. His wife, Margaret, was born in Tennessee in 1811. In 1850 this family was living in Carroll County, Tennessee and their children were: Nancy, 1837; David, 1839; James 1844; and William, 1848. Nancy Green, born in North Carolina in 1795, was also a member of the household. By 1860 the Wagster family had moved to Greene County and settled in Chalk Bluff Township. By this time two more children had been added to the household: John,1853; and Richard,1856. WALKER John C.Walkerwasborninillinoisin1851. Hiswife,Margaret,wasborninthesamestatein1858. In 1880 this family was living in White County, Illinois and their children were: Anna, 1877; and John D., 1880. By 1900 the Walker family had moved to Greene County and settled in Main Shore Township. By the latter date six more children had been added to the household: Hattie E., 1886; Harrison, 1889; Lora, 1891; Clarence, 1893; and Harvel, 1899. Another child was born in 1896 but the name of this child is not clear in the 1900 census record. WALTERS Henry Walters and his wife, Mary, were born in Germany in 1832 and 1839 respectively. The family apparently, arrived in Greene County, Arkansas at some time between 1880 and 1900. In 1900 the family was living in Main Shore Township in Greene County and their children still at home at this time were: Young, 1874; William, 1876; and Andrew,1878. The census record for 1900 indicates that all these children were born in Germany. WATKINS Joseph Watkins was born in Tennessee in about 1849. His wife, Paralee J., was born in the same state in 1855. In 1880 this family was living in Carroll County, Tennessee and their children were: Esther E.,1872; Julie A. R., 1874; Wilhella (a daughte, 1876), and John W.,1878. By 1900 the Watkins family had moved to Greene County and settled in Union Township. By this time six more children had been added to the household: Myrtle,1881; Susan, 1885; Carrie, 1887; Daniel, 1890; Joseph, 1893; andCamilee,1895. Joseph and Camilee were born in Arkansas, but all the older children were born in Tennessee. WEBB James Webb was born in North Carolina in 1788. His wife, Manima, was born in the same state in 1800.1 n 1850 the family was living in Hardeman County, Tennessee and their children still at home were: Manell, 1828; John, 1832; Tilman, 1833; Almira, 1837; and Cornelia, 1840. By 1860 James and Manima Webb had moved to Greene County and settled in St. Francis Township. Tillman Webb, son of James, married a woman named Margaret and 1860 they were living in St. Francis Township near James and Manima. In 1850 James and Manima Webb were living very near the family of Andrew and Sinie C. Webb in Hardeman County, Tennessee (see WEBB, Vol. l). It is believed that Andrew may have been the son of James and Manima. WILLIAMSON Thomas B. Williamson was born in Tennessee in 1847. His wife, Susan E., was born in Arkansas in 1858. In 1880 this family was living in Harrison Township in White County, Arkansas and their children at this time were: Carrie, 187 1; Laura, 1876; and Roy, 1879. Roy was born in Arkansas but the two older children were born in Missouri. Vanetter Williamson, brother of Thomas B., was also a member of the household. Vanetter was born in Arkansas in 1869. By 1900 the Williamson family had moved to Greene County and settled in St. Francis Township. By this date eight more children had been added to the household: John W.,1881; Thomas B., 1883; Aggie C.,1885; Tennie J., 1885; Dora R., 1888; Mary J., 1890; Guss G., 1893; and Homer T., 1895. WYATT William Wyatt was born in Tennessee in 1807. His wife, Mary, was born in the same state in 1808. In 1850 this family was living in Carroll County, Tennessee and their children were: John P., 1830; Hannah J.,1832; James H., 1834; Mary, 1835; Robert D., 1837; Margaret A, 1837; William B., 1840; Henry H., 1841; Pickney, 1842; Yancy, 1843; Sarah S., 1845; and Alexander,1848. Apparently William Wyatt's wife, Mary, died during the 1850's By 1860 he had married a woman named Sarah and they were living in Concord Township in Greene County, Arkansas By this latter date one more child, Amsey, had been added to the household. Amsey was born in Arkansas in 1859. Charles Austin, born in Tennessee in 1850, was also a member of the household. WYSE Andrew Wyse (Wise) was born in Tennessee in 1855. His wife, Nancy, was born in the same state in 1849. In 1880 this family was living in Madison County, Tennessee and their children were: Sarah, 1875; and Dove, 1879. By 1900 the Wyse family had moved to Greene County and settled in Lake Township. Apparently Nancy Wyse had died by this time. Dovie D., daughter of Andrew, was living with her father at this time. George W. Wyse, nephew of Andrew, was also a member of the household. George was born in Tennessee in 1883. YANTIS William A Yantis was born in Kentucky in 1834. His wife, Mary L., was born in the same state in 1841. In 1880 this family was living in Garrard County, Kentucky in or near the town of Lancaster and their children were: Abbie G., 1868; Frank S.,1872; and Bessie May,1876. Sally (Sarah) Denton, sister of William Yantis, was a member of the household. Sally's daughter, Pattie, was also present. By 1900 the Yantis family had moved to Greene County and settled in Clark Township. By this time one more child, Mary D., had been added to the household. Mary was born in Kentucky in 1885. James Salter, grandson of William, was a member of the household. James was born in Kentucky in 1885. William A (Amo Yantis died in 1915 and was buried at the Linwood Cemetery. As of 1916 his wife, Mary L. (Love), was living at 321 North Third in Paragould. Frank S. (Stewart Yantis, Sr. and his wife, Ora, lived at 117 West Hunt at this time. Frank S. Yantis, Jr. was living with his parents at this same address Mary Love Yantis died in 1930 and was buried at Linwood Cemetery. Frank Yantis, Sr. died in 1921 and was also buried at Linwood. Ora McDonald Yantis, wife of Frank Yantis Sr., was the daughter of W.J. "Uncle Bill" McDonald, a well-known figure in the early history of Paragould. Ora was crowned "Pioneer Belle" of the Pioneer Pageant in Paragould on Saturday night, July 26,1958. The Pageant was held as part of Paragould's Diamond Jubilee Celebration. Ora Yantis was the oldest living citizen of the original incorporated/own of Paragould at the time the Diamond Jubilee was held. She continued to live at 117 West Hunt for the remainder of her life. She died in 1970 at the age of ninety-two years She was buried at the Linwood Cemetery. YARBROUGH Abner Yarbrough was born in Kentucky in about 1845. In 1860 Abner was living in Hopkins County, Kentucky in the household of Matthew and Mary Daniel. Abner's brother, William (born 1847), and sister, Rosa Anna (born 1852), were also members of the household. Abner's relationship to Matthew Daniel is not known. Hopkins County, Kentucky marriage records indicate that Abner Yarbrough married Mary E. Danielson Aug.29, 1865. Apparently Mary E. died and Abner married Sarah H. Ashby on March 6,1873. Sarah H. Ashby was the daughter of James and Anna Ashby, born in Kentucky in 1801 and 1819 respectively. In 1870 the family was living in Hopkins County and their children were: Robert G., 1840; Turner,1846; Sarah H., 1848; Elizabeth, 1852; Louisa, 1854; Annie,1855; and Quintina (a daughter), 1858. The Ashby family lived in the extreme northeast corner of Hopkins County in or near the town of Ashbyburg. Possibly this town was named for some of the ancestors of James Ashby. Apparently Abner and Sarah H. Yarbrough moved to Greene County, Arkansas during the 1890's A 1902 issue of the Paragould Soliphone carried a personal item which indicated that Abner and Sarah had just recently moved to Forrest City, Arkansas However, they returned to Paragould later and in 1916 they were living on West Kings highway. The City Directory indicates that Abner was the sexton of Linwood Cemetery at this time. The Jan.3,1921 issue of the Paragould Soliphone carried a personal item to the effect that Abner Yarbrough had recently suffered a disabling stroke of paralysis It also indicated that Abner and his wife had moved from the sexton's residence to their former home at 513 South Fourth. The exact date-of death of Abner Yarbrough is not known. However, he is buried at Linwood Cemetery and his marker shows that he was a Confederate veteran. YOUNG Moses G. Young was born in Tennessee in 1826. His wife, Elizabeth, was born in the same state in 1830. In 1850 this family was living in Weakley County, Tennessee and at this time they had only one child, James, born in 1850. In 1870 the Young family was living in Concord Township in Greene County, Arkansas. By this latter date several more children had been added to the household: Susan A., 1854; Margaret, 1855; Mahala, 1857; Elizabeth J.,1860; William S.,1861; Mary L., 1866; and Benjamin C.,1869. Apparently the Young family became residents of Clay County, Arkansas when it was formed in 1873.