Biographies - T-Z, Vol 4 - 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. IV, Genealogical Sketches of Greene County, Arkansas by George W. Rowland, M.S., Ed.D. formerly Professor of Education at Missouri Valley College and the University of Tennessee at Martin. Copyright 1984 by George W. Rowland, P. O. Box 702, Paragould, Arkansas 72451 - 0702. Printed by Crowley's Ridge College Bookstore & Press. [Excerpted here with permission of author.] TARRANT Carson H. Tarrant was born in Illinois in 1877. His wife, Samantha A., was born in the same state in 1881. In 1900 this family was living in Mill Shoals Township in White County, Illinois and their only child at this time was named Wavil O. (a d aughter, born in 1900). By 1910 the Tarrant family had moved to Greene County and settled in Union Township. Four more children had been added to the household: Hubert,1903; Frederick,1905; Loran,1907; and Miranda L.,1909. In 1910 James A. and Jane Tarrant and their so n, William E., were living next to the Carson Tarrant family. James A. Tarrant was born in Illinois in 1839. It is thought that he may have been the father of Carson H. Tarrant. THOMPSON I The reader is referred to the THOMPSON sketch which appers in Volume III of this book. Since the original sketch was written, some new information regarding Professor Thompson and his family has been brought to light. John H. Thompson married Margarett Sharpe in Rutherford County, Tennessee on December 14,1830. In 1850 this famiy was living in Rutherford County and their children at this time were: John,1840; Mary,1841; Robert,1843; and Joseph,1849. The censu s record indicates at that both John H., and his wife, Margarett, were born in 1820. Robert Sharpe Thompson, son of John H., married Caroline (Callie) Simmons. The parents of Caroline were James and Unity Simmons, born in North Carolina and Tennessee in 1820 and 1826 respectively. In 1850 the Simmons family was living in Gibson County, Tennessee and their children were: Caroline,1846; Susan,1848; and John, 1849. During the 1870's Professor Thompson was a resident of Crockett County, Tennessee and was engaged in the profession of education. The January 2,1874 issue of the Crockett County Sentinel carried a news item regarding the Professor's school. "Next Monday school will open at the Academy with professor R.S. Thompson as principal. Professor Thompson is a graduate of the University of Virginia, one of the leading institutions of learning in the new world, and was for a while a teacher i n that institution. He is decidely a ripe scholar and a perfect gentleman, and we sincerely hope that he will give universal satisfaction and that our entire community will unite upon him and build up a flourishing school. Heretofore some petty differences have arisen which gradually grew in proportions until our community was widely separated and came very near destroying our school interests althogether. Now, we are glad to state, these differences are being laid aside,we hope forever, and the y should never have arisen, and the prospects are that we will have one common school interest. There are enough children in this community to make the school number one hundred and fifty pupils and evey one of them should attend. This is a day when the six months of schooling and the balance of your life hard work system should be done away with. In this day the mind is the standard of the man, and every child in the land should receive a liberal education. Mrs. Annie Parker will have control o f the music department, which is sufficient guarantee that all pupils in music will receive prompt, careful and correct instruction. In the literary department, Professor Thompson will be assisted by Miss Emma Parker, a young lady of well cultivated mind, thoroughly accomplished and well qualified in every respect to fill the position assigned her. As far as we have learned these three will compose the faculty, and under their efficient management we predict a glorious future for the Academy. We hope to see at least one hundred students in attendance next Monday." Some years later the Professor established Thompson's Classical Institute in Crockett County. A few years after the town of Paragould, Arkansas was established, Professor Thompson moved his Institute to that city. Professor Thompson died in Para gould after a number of years of educational work there. Whe his death occurred in 1909, his obituary appeared in the Paragould Soliphone; however, this particular issue of the Soliphone was never preserved for posterity. Fortunately some citizen of Paragould saw fit to mail a copy of the obituary to the Alamo Signal in Crockett County, Tennessee. The Signal reprinted it on the front page of the February 26,1909 issue. Since this news item contained many details of Professor Thompson's life, it is reprinted here in its entirety: "Professor R.S. Thompson died today at noon at the home of his son, James Thompson. The passing of his life was as peaceful as the sleeping of a babe, there being hardly a struggle when the immortal spirit wafted its way to the realms of eternity. The death was due to apoplexy. Last Saturday he had a paralytic stroke which paralyzed his right side and his tongue. He never spoke again, but at times he was apparently conscious and seemed to know those around him. His condition was alarming Saturday and Sunday, but MOnday he seemed better, but the change for the better was only temporary and today at 12 o'clock he breathed his last. The news of the death of this good man will carry sorrow into the hearts of many people in Arkansas and Tennessee. Seventeen years ago Professor Thompson established his home in Paragould and since that time, up to two years ago, he has been actively engaged in teaching. He re-established here the Thompson Classical Institute, which he founded in Tennessee. Hundreds of young men in Greene County and northeast Arkansas were pupils of his during the fifteen years of his active professional life in this city. Many of them have become prominent in the affairs of the country and among them are to be found re presentatives of practically all the trades and professions followed in this country. To them the news of the death of their old preceptor will be a sad message, for they loved him. Robert Sharpe Thompson was born near Murfreesboro, Tennessee, April 1,1844. When a child his parents moved to Gibson County, Tennessee where he grew to young manhood, his father being John Thompson who was a pioneer citizen of what was then spar sely-settled country. He was given such educational advantages as the common schools of his community afforded and when the Civil War came that demoralized conditions in the south and broke up schools and everything else he joined the Confederate Arm y and during the last three years of the War followed the leadership of the intrepid Forrest, participatin in many engagements. He was wounded at Florence, Alabama and never recovered from the wound. He would not permit the surgeons to amputate his l eg and the wound gave him pain at intervals the balance of his life and at times he walked with difficulty. The deceased bore a strong affection for his old soldier comrades and was an active member of the local camp of ex-Confederate veterans. He was awarded a cross of honor by the ladies of the U.D.C. which he prized highly and which he constantly w ore. At the close of the war he entered Andrew College at Trenton, Tennessee, his county seat town, resovled to first procure and education before trying to build up his lost fortunes which disappeared in the ravages of war. Completing the course at Andrew College he went to Washington and Lee University, of which General Robert E. Lee was president, and there under the guidance of the great confederate chieftain for a period of four years he drank at the fountain of wisdom completing the full un iversity course and receiving the highest degrees in scholarship that school conferred. His course was a thorough one, especially in the classics and he left it with a reputation of being about the most thorough Latin and Greek scholar that had gone out of that institution. He was awarded a prize for proficiency in greek during his last year and many men of learning, who have since become famous in letteers were among his competitors for the prize, among them being Professor Humphreys now profess or of Greek in the University of South Carolina and formerly holding a similar position in the Vanderbilt University at Nashville, Tennessee. He also taught Greek for one year at Washington and Lee University. Leaving Washington and Lee, Professor Thompson returned to his home in Gibson County, where he taught school for several years and at the same time devoting his spare hours to the study of law. He taught in Gibson, Haywood, and Lauderdale Counties and when the County of Crockett was formed in 1873 and Alamo became the site of the new county he moved there and accepted the principalship of the Alamo High School. He ocntinued teaching for several years in this ca pacity when he was admitted to the practice of law. He was so thorough in his reading that his admission to the bar was easy and he was reputed to be one of the most learned men in that section in the principles of law as taught in the textbooks. He almost knew Blackstone, Greenleaf, Parson, Story and the old law writes by heart and could quote pages from these learned text writers on the common law. He entered the practice and had a fair share of success, in fact, more than comes ordinarily to the young practitioner, but he did not find the work as congenial to him as teaching, and hence he again took up the ferule. In 1883 he established the Thompson Classical Institute at Alamo. He built a fine brick school house which was surrounded by a large campus and here, until he decided to move to Paragould, he instructed the young men and young women of West Tenn essee and sent hundreds of them on their mission in life with minds stored with valuable knowledge, high ideals and nobel purposes. Many of the leading mena and women of West Tennessee were his pupils years ago and to them the death of their old prec eptor will be no less sorrowful than those of Arkansas pupils of later years. During his long residence in Crockett County, Tennessee, he was for many years county superintendent of public schools, a position which he did not seek but which was put u pon him because of his earnestness in educational work. He has served Greene County for several terms as County Examiner and was serving in that capacity when he died having been appointed by Judge Light last fall. He formerly held by appointment of other county judges. No man had done more to stimulate educational progress in Greene County and to awaken a healthy sentiment for better schools. The deceased was one of eleven children born to his parents, only two of whom survive him, they being Joe R. Thompson and Mrs. Annie Wafford of Brazil, Gibson County, Tennessee. The surviving brother is in a very low state of health and it is no t believed that he can attend the funeral. The deceased was married when a young man to Callie Simmons in Gibson County, Tennessee, who departed this life in 1900. To this union two children, James A. Thompson, the popular young druggist of this city, and Mrs. Johnson, the wife of the we ll-known attorney, R.E.L. Johnson. The deceased had been a member of the Methodist Church since he was a very young man and he spent his mature years as a faithful follower of the cross. *********** The funeral of the late R.S. Thompson occurred from the First Methodist Church yesterday from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. It was one of the largest funerals in the history of Paragould and every available seat in the large auditorium was filled, the galleries were filled and many stood up in the aisles. The business places were closed and the city schools dismissed in deference to the deceased. Seats were reserved immediately in front of the chancel for the relatives and immediate friends of deceased and to the right the old soldiers and former pupils of the deceased occupied reserve seats. When the pall bearers had placed their precio us burden in front of the chancel the choir rose and sane "Jesus Lover of My Soul: in low and plaintive tones after which Rev. M.M. Smith, the pastor, made a few introductory remarks. Brother Smith was followed by a scripture reading by Rev. A.C. Gri ffin and also by Rev. E.M. Pipkin. Then a song, "Nearer My God to Thee," was renedered by the choir, followed by prayer by Brother Smith. Miss Annie Steadman then renedered most touchingly a solo, with chorus accompaniment by the choir, "Only a Dream ." Following rev. E.M. Pipkin made and address in which he reviewedd the character and works of deceased and paid him an eloquent eulogy as a teacher, a citizen, a soldier and a Christian. Following Brother Pipkin, Rev. J.N. Lawless upon the part o f the old pupils of the deceased delivered a touching eulogy dealing more directly with his own personal experience and relationship with the deceased. the speaker was so overcome that he could hardly proceed with his remarks and with trembling voice he stood for several minutes uttering an occasional word. This affected the entire audience which was deluged in tears. Whe the speaker recovered his composure he proceeded with his remarks and made a very simple but forceful speech. He related that the only time in his life when he was discouraged and decided to quit Professor Thompson laid his hands on the shoulders of the speaker and said," Go ahead, you will make it!" He had decided to leave school because he did not know how to study and d id not believe he could ever become a scholar. He knew how to plow and split rails and build fences, but he did not know how to dive into the books and get knowledge and he decided to quit and went to tell Professor Thompson he would give up the effo rt to get and education. It was the kind admonition to go ahead, wyou will make it, that cuased him to take fresh courage and to the encouraging words he was indebted for whatever scholarship he possesses. The speaker said that often when the task wa s hard since them, when it looked like the hill was too long and steep he would become discouraged and fainthearted, but the words of Professor Thompson rang in his ears. "Go ahead you will make it!" The speaker took up the idea suggested in the Soliphone that the old pupils of the deceased ought to erect a monument to his memory and he agreed with the suggestion, but added that the monument ought to be a Thompson memorial scholarhip in some institution of learning, the money for maintaining the scholarship to be contributed by the old pupils of the deceased. Brother Lawless' address was very pathetic and left very few dry eyes in the house. The closing address was delivered by Brother Smith, who told of his acquaintance and personal association with the deceased and of his beautiful Christian character. Then while the choir sang the large concourse of sorrowing friends filed by the remains and took a last fond look at the face they loved so well, but now cold in death. The services were concluded a the cemetery when hundreds of sorrowing friends paid their last tribute of respect. The floral tributes were beautiful and the chancel covered with evergreens presented amost enchanting scene. Floral offerings were made as follows: Gates Ajar, a beautiful tribut of Lilies, Roses and Carnations on stand with Star and White dove sutdents of T.C.I. Crescent on Stand, of Lilies and Roses with Floral Base by teachers of Paragould. Large spray of White Carnations by class of 1901. Cross of Lilies and roses by Mr. and Mrs. R. Jackson. Pallbearers: L. Steadman, William Brannon, A.B. Hays, William Walden, J.M. Huddleston, Hy Cole, all the honorary pallbearers being old soldiers and the pallbearers beign former pupils of deceased." Today Professor Thompson's memorial marker at Linwood Cemetery bears the following epitaph. " A great teacher whose memory is more enduring than marble or bronze, he leaves to posterity a worth example. "His works do follow him.'" THOMPSON II Samuel Thompson was born in Tennessee in 1831. His wife, Nancy E., was born in Kentucky in 1836. In 1880 this family was living in the vicinity of Moscow in Hickman County, Kentucky and their children were: Ruth;1864; William,1868; Mary Ella;187 1; Thomas,1873; John C.,1874; and Rachel Belle,1879. Ruth and William were born in Tennessee, but all the younger children were born in Kentucky. By 1900 the Thompson family had moved to Greene County and settled in Main Shore Township. By this time one new child, Mattie, had been added to the household. She was born in 1882. TRAYWICK Leroy Traywick was born in Tennessee in 1853. His wife, Susan J., was born in the same state in the same year. In 1880 the family was living in Benton County, Tennessee and at this time they had only one child, Leona, born in 1877. In 1900 Leroy and Susan were living in Carroll County, Tennessee and by this date two more children had been added to the household: Fred,1880; and Ernest,1898. By 1910 the Traywick family had moved to Greene County and settled in Hurrican Township. No new children had been added to the household during the previous decade. TROXEL Samuel J. Troxel was born in Indiana in 1850. His wife, Sarah, was born in the same state in 1856. In 1880 Samuel and Sarah were living in Jackson Township in Morgan County, Indiana. Apparently two of Sarah's children by a previous marriage were living in the household. These were John and Cordia Huffman. Samuel Troxel moved to Greene County and settled in Clark Township in about 1886. The children in the Troxel household in 1900 were: Willia H.,1883; Locie F.,(a son),1885; Lindsay D.(a son),1887; Harry,1889;Eva,1890; Fred,1894; and Samuel E.,189 7. The two older children were born in Indiana, but the younger five were born in Arkansas. Samuel J. Troxel was buried at the Linwood Cemetery. His marker bears dates of 1844 and 1937. Margaret Troxel (apparently the same person previously referred to as Sarah) is also buried at Linwood and her marker shows dates of 1854 and 1941. A S arah E. Troxel (1835-1915) is also buried at this cemetery. TUCKER The reader is referred to the TUCKER sketch which appears in Volume ** of this book. Since that sketch was written, one new bit of information regarding this family has been discovered: Edmund V. Tucker married Elizabeth A. Horskins (Hoskins?) i n gibson County, Tennessee on August 20,1838. TURNBULL William Turnbull was born in Missouri in 1873. His wife, Carrie, was born in Illinois in 1878. In 1900 the family was living in Richland Township in Douglas County, Missouri and their children were: Emmett,1898; and Myrtle,1900. By 1910 the Turnbull family had moved to Greene County and settled in Jones Township. By this time two more children had been added to the household: Gertrude,1904; and Agnes,1908 VANDERVOORT Paulus Vandervoort (Van der Voort) has been identified by members of the Vandervoort family as their earliest known ancestor. He was born in 1550 in south Netherlands. The name of his wife is not known. Michael Pauluszen Vandervoort, son of Paulus, was born in 1595 in the Netherlands. He married Marie Jouisse Rapalie in 1640 and later the same year the couple arrived in New York City (then known as New Amsterdam). Paulus Michaelse Vandervoort, son of Michael and Marie, was born in New Amsterdam in 1649. He later married Elizabeth Paulus Dincksen. Their son, Paulus Vandervoort, was born in Flat Bush, Long Island in 1681. His first wife was Neeltje Staats. Paulus (Paul) Michael Vandervoort, son of Michael, was born in 1751 at Clarston, Rockland County, New York. He married Jane Vanhorne, born in 1753. Their son, Michael Vandervoort, was born in 17773 and later married Sarah Jane Thorp. Peter Vandervoort, son of Michael and Sarah Jane, was born in 1802 and later married Abigail Caroline Gross. Peter's son, James Madison Vandervoort, was born in 1832 and alter married Jane Hutchinson. In 1880 James M. and Jane Vandervoort were living in the town of Bloomfield in Fillmore County, Minnesota and their children at home at this time were: Lillie,1862; Glen A.,1853; Jimmie(a son),1868; and Lee,1875. Lillie was born in Wisconsin, bu t all the younger children were born in Minnesota. In 1900 Lee Vandervoort was living at 2206 Olive Street in St. Louis, Missouri. His date of birth is shown, in the census record as November 1875. He was enumerated as part of the household of Forrest Johns. Lee Vandervoort married Valle Revelle in 1895. By 1910 the couple had moved to Greene County, Arkansas and settled in Paragould. Their children at this time were: Marguerite,1898; Helen,1900 and Janice,1901. The census record for 1910 lists Lee's occupation as that of hotel proprietor. The 1916 City Directory for Paragould indicates that Lee was the proprietor of the Vandervoort Hotel, long a landmark in Paragould. This hotel was located on the northwest corner of the intersection of Emerson and Second Streets. The November 19,1920 issue of the Daily Press carried a person item indicating that Mrs. W.W. Heath, mother of Lee Vandervoort, had died and was to be buried at Marble Hill, Missouri, her former home. On March 1,1928 Lee Vandervoort sold the Vandervoort Hotel, but it continued to carry the original name. Lee continued in the hotel business in Kansas City, Chicago and other places until his retirement at the age of seventy- two years. Lee Vande rvoort spent his last years in El Paso, Texax and died there on March 1,1962. The writer is indebted to Mr. Walter Driver of El Paso, grandson of Lee Vandervoort, for the information which he has provided regarding the Vandervoort families. VARVIL Philip M. Varvil was born in Indiana in about 1848. His wife, Martha N., was born in Kentucky in 1856. In 1880 the Varvil family was living in North Muddy Township in Jasper County, Illinois and their only child at this time was Thomas C., born in 1879. In 1900 the Varvil family was living in Jones Township in Greene County and by this latter date five more children had been added to the household: William E.,1884; Bessie,1887; Joseph O.,1890; Ernest,1892; and Goldie M.,1896. All the children w ere born in Illinois. Some persons bearing the name of Varvil are buried at the Jones Ridge Cemetery east of Delaplaine. VERHINE Everitt Verhine (Verhines) was born in Tennessee in about 1819. His wife, Rebecca, was born in North Carolina in 1822. In 1850 this family was living in Obion County, Tennessee and their children were: Ellen,1840; James,1842; John, 1844; Augustu s,1845; and Belle,1848. Ellenda Verhine, born in 1794, was also a member of the household. Elizabeth Whitley, born in 1828, was likewise present. Augustus Verhine, son of Everett, married a woman named Martha, born in Tennessee in 1846. In 1880 this family was living in Obion County, Tennessee and their children were: Anna,1860; and William, 1877. Both Children were born in Tennessee. WALTERS Lee Walters was born in Kentucky in 1870. His wife, Mattie C., was born in the same state in the same year. In 1900 the family was living in magistrate district five, in McCracken County, Kentucky and their children were: Ruby L.,1890 Thomas, 18 92; George,1894; and Arlie L.,1898. By 1910 the Walters family had moved to Greene County and settled in Clark Township. By this time two more children had been added to the household: Weille (a son),1901 and Henry,1905. WARD Allen S. Ward was born in Tennessee in 1843. His wife, Julia E., was born in the same state in 1845. In 1880 this family was living in Weakley County, Tennessee and their children were: Fannie E.,1867; Samuel M.,1870; Jenelia E.,1872 and Aubrey (Auber) L.,1874. By 1900 the Ward family had moved to Greene County and settled in Hurrican Township. By this latter date one more child, Hattie A., had been added to the household. Hattie was born in Tennessee in 1861. Aubrey L. was still living with his parent s at this time. WARD II William Ward was born in Ohio in 1811. His wife, Tabitha, was born in the same state in 1814. In 1850 this family was living in Licking Township in Blackford County, Indiana and their children were: John,1832; Lair(a son)1835; Rebecca,1838; Sara h,1840; William H.,1842; Milton,1845; and Perry,1849. Perry was born in Indiana, but all the older children were born in Ohio. In 1860 the Ward family was living in Jackson Township in Blackford Coutny and by this date one more child, Malinda, had be en added to the household. Malinda was born in 1851. Perry Ward, son of William, married Phoebe Evelyn Wrestler in about 1880. She was the daughter of George H. and Jane Wrestler, natives of Ohio, who were residents of Scott Township in Brown County, Ohio in 1850 and 1860. In about 1864 the W restler family moved to Licking Township in Blackford County, Indiana. Perry and Phoebe Ward and their family moved to Greene County, Arkansas in about 1900. in 1904, Addie Ward, daughter of Perry and Phoebe, married Edward Winchester Rowland, son of Lock Rowland (see ROWLAND, Vol.I). The wedding took place at the home of the bride on Gainesville Street (now Fourth Street). Edward and Addie had three children: Edward,Jr.,Mary and Lillian. Edward is a resident of Bossier City, Louisiana. Mary and Lillian live in Peoria, Illinois. Phoebe Ward died in 1919 and was buried at Linwood Cemetery in Paragould. Perry Ward died in 1932 at the home of his son, F.P., in Alton, Illinois. He was buried at Linwood next to his wife. WATSON Peter Watson was born in Kentucky in about 1820. His wife, Sarah A. was born in the same state in 1826. In 1850 this family was living in Grave County, Kentucky and their children were: Mary E.,1843; William B.,1848; and Jerome B.,1850. Peter's occupation is listed, in the census record, as "constable". By 1860 the Watson family had moved to Greene County, Arkansas and settle in Concord Township. By this latter date two more children had been added to the household: Sarah G.,1854; and Sarah A.,1859. WASHINGTON Thomas J. Washington was born in Kentucky in 1862. His wife, Mollie, was born in the same state in 1868. In 1900 he family was living in the vicinity of Waverly in Union County, Kentucky and their children were: Dorris (a son),1886; Stella,1889; Ray,1895; and William Gabel,1899. Harry Melton brother in law of Thomas, was also a member of the household. By 1910 the Washington family had moved to Greene County and settled in St. Francis Township. By this latter date two more children had been added to the household: Robert,1902 and Alton B.,1905. Mollie Washington died in 1931 and her obituary appeared in the August 8 issue of the Daily Press. She died at her home near Reddick School. She was born in Union County, Kentucky. Burial was at Pine Knot Cemetery. WAYLAND John Wayland was born in Kentucky in 1863. His wife, Martha A., was born in Tennessee in 1862. In 1900 the family was living in Little Prairie Township in Pemiscot County, Missouri and their children were: James W.,1888; Jonathan,1890; Allen, 18 92; Roy,1894; Hattie M.,1897; and Flora L.,1899. James was born in Kentucky, but all of the younger children were born in Missouri. Leonard Grover, born in Kentucky in 1859, was also a member of the household. His relationship to the family is not kn own. By 1910 the Wayland family had moved to Greene County and settled in Blue Cane Township. By this date one more child, Archie J., had been added to the household. He was born in Missouri in 1902. WEAVER Elizabeth Weaver was born in North Carolina in 1804.The name of her husband is not known, but is suspected that he was the Absalom Weaver shown in the 1840 census for McNairy County, Tennessee. In 1850 Elizabeth the head of her own household in McNairy County and her children were: Lafayette,1826; John,1828; Sinia,1831; Betsy,1833; Absalom,1835; William,1837; and Annis,1839. The 1860 and 1870 census records for McNairy County show Elizbeth and her son Absalom, as the only members of the Weaver household. Absalom married a woman named Telda sometime during the 1870's. Telda was born in Tennessee in 1855. In 1880 Absa lom and Telda were living in the fourth civil district of McNairy County and their children were: J.A.(a son),1877; and Samuel,1879. Absalom's mother, Elizabeth, was also a member of the household. The census record indicates that both of Elizabeth's parents were born in North Carolina. As a result of the formation of Chester County from McNairy County in 1885, the Weavers became residents of the former. In 1900 Absalom Weaver was a resident of the eighth civil district of Chester County (family number ninety-nine). His name is mistakenly listed in this record as "Albert". It seems that perhaps his correct name of Absalom was shortened to "Ab" which was later assumed to stand for the name, Albert. By 1900 Absalom's wife had apparently died. His children still at home at his time were: Susie,1880; Nancy,1882; John,1883; George A.,1885; Ada,1887; Katie,1889; Joseph,1891; Celia,1894; Robert,1896; and Emma,1897. John and George A. (Allen) Weaver moved to Greene County, Arkansas soon after 1900 and settled in the are between Shiloh and Fairview Churches. George A. Weaver married Minnie Lee Gilliam, daughter of Peter Gilliam and Tilda Burgins. Minnie was born in Alabama in 1884. The children of George A. and Minnie are: James Herschel,1906; Mira Irene,1909; Melvin Lee,1912; Laura Earline,1915; Dorothy Aline,1923; and George Leon,1925. James Herschel married Myrtle E. Sutton and their children were: P resta Eliwanda, Duaine Weaver and Duronda Aletta. Duaine is presently a resident of Wichita, Kansas. George A. and Minnie Lee Weaver are buried at Shiloh Cemetery. Their son and daughter -in-law, Herschel and Myrtle, are buried nearby. John Weaver, brother of George A., is buried at Fairview. The writer is indebted to Duaine Weaver and his wife, Doris, for much of the information used in this sketch. WEISBROD Martha Weisbrod (Whitebread) was born in Germany in 1836. His wife, Eliza, was born in Missouri in 1848. In 1880 this family was living in Apple Creek Township in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri and their children were: William,1866; Liile,1867; Emory J.,1869; Alpha,1873; Luvaria (?),1874; James H.,1875; Mary,1877; Anna,1879; and Curby,1880. The surname of this family is given as "Weissbrook" in this particular record. In 1900 Mathias Weisbrod was still living in Apple Creek Township. His wife had apparently died by this time. One new child, Walter E., born in 1881, had been added to the household. Three other children of Mathia were still living at home at hi s time. A personal item in the September 26,1919 issue of the Daily Press indicated that Emory J. Weisbrod of Thedbord, Nebraska was visiting Paragould with a view to locating Greene County. An item in the September 29 issue of the paper disclosed that the Weisbrods had bought the James Muse farm and general store in the Center Hill area. A personal item in the September 19,1930 issue of the Daily Press idnicated that Emory J. Weisbrod had sold his store to a Mrs. McDonald, a widow who had been lving near Rock Hill Church. Emory J. Weisbrod died in a Little Rock, Arkansas hospital and his obituary appeared in the January 30,1940 issue of the Daily Press. He was survived by his wife, Mary, and by a brother, James, of St. Louis, Missouri. Emory was buried at Linwood Cemetery. WESTBROOK The obituary of John Pleasant Westbrook appeared in the January 27,1930 issue of the Daily Press. He died at his home at 118 West Hunt in Paragould. He had been the manager of the Bertig Gin for many years. He wa born in or near Bolivar, Tenness ee in 1863 and came to Paragould in about 1886. He first married Miss Mattie J. Scott. She died on July 31,1894. Three children were born of this union. In 1896 John P. married Miss Alice J. Wheelis, born in 1879. Alice was the daughter of Margaret J . Wheelis, born in Tennessee in 1838 (see fam. no. 108, Union Township, 1880 census for Greene County). John was survived by is wife, Alice, and two daughter: Mrs. Charles Bogan,by a first marriage); Dick Westbrook; and Clyde Westbrook. John was buried at Linwood. Alice Jeanette Westbrook, John's second wife, died in 1931 and her obituary appeared in the January 7 issue of the Daily Press. She was buried at Linwood next to her husband. Margaret J. Wheelis married Daniel Gray in Greene County on October 25,1884. Margaret was forty-seven and Daniel, sixty-nine years of age at the time. Daniel had been married at least once previously. Margaret Gray died in 1931 a few months afte r the death of her daughter, Alice. She was buried in the mausoleum at Linwood. Margaret Gray lived to the ripe old age of ninety-three years. During the 1920's the write's parents lived very near Mrs. Gray. They remembered many samll details about her later life. She was commonly referred to as "Granny Gray" by her younger neighbors. Harl (Harley) Westbrook, son of John P. and Mattie Westbrook, lived for many years near the Center Hill Cemetery. Harl and some of his children are buried at Center Hill. WHAYNE Wiliam W. Whayne was born in Kentucky in about 1812. His wife, Elizabeth was born born state in 1818. In 1850 this family was living Henderson County, Kentucky and their children at this time were: Suan A.,1841; Mercer W.,1843; Margaret,1845; A lice,1846; William M.,1848; and Nathan B.,1850. All of the children were born in Kentucky. Nathan Walden and John Pirtle, born in Kentucky in 1828 and 1834 respectively, were also members of the household. By 1860 the Whayne family had moved to Greene Count, Arkansas and settled in Chalk Bluff Township. By this latter date five more children had been added to the household: Bailor,1851; Wallen (a son),1853; James, 1856; Martha,1850 and Mary,1850. James, Martha and Mary were born in Arkansas, but all of the older children were born Kentucky, Martha and Mary were twins. WHITWORTH Jacob Whitworth (Whiteworth) was born in Virginia in about 1809. His wife, Synthia A., was born in Kentucky in 1808. In 1850 this family was living in Dyer County, Tennessee (family number 197) and their children were: A.(a son),1833; J.M.(a son ),1836; J.J.(a son),1838; M.E.(a daughter),1840; T.J.(a son), 1843; and C.A.E.(a daughter), 1846. In 1860 the Jacob Whitworth family was living in Bradshaw Townsip in Greene County, Arkansas. Their children, T.J. and C.E., were also members of the household. Margaret Rector, born in Tennessee in 1840, was likewise present. It is believed tha t Margaret may have been the married daughter of Jacob Whitworth. Apparently the Whitworth families became residents of Clay County, Arkansas when it was formed in 1873. WILLARD John A. Willard was born in Indiana in 1862. His wife, Milly, was born in the same state in 1860. In 1900 the family was living in Bogard Township in Daviess County, Indiana and their children were: Iden A.(a son),1884; George W.,1887; Edward,18 89; Edna,1889; Lida E.,1892; And Alice J.,1898. Edward and Edna were twins, born in August of 1889. By 1910 the Willard family had moved to Greene County and settled in Hurricane Township. No new children had been added to the househd by this date. YORK James W. York was born in Illinois in 1879. His wife, Etta May, was born in the same state in 1880. In 1900 this family was living in Omaha Township in Gallatin County, Illinois. At this time they had only one child, Effie C., born in 1898. By 1910 the family had moved to Greene County and settled in Hurrican Township. By this time four more children had been added to the household: Mamie B.,1902; Orpha C.,1903; Delbert M.,1906; and Wright R.,1908. Mamie was born in Illinois, but a ll the younger children were born in Arkansas. ZACKARY James O. Zackary was born in Kentucky in 1873. His wife, Magnolia, was born in 1880. In 1900 this family was living Grayson County, Kentucky near the town of Leitchfield and their children were: Roy,1895; Ray,1896; and Iry,1899. By 1910 the Zackary family had moved to Greene County and settled in Friendship Township. By this date two more children had been added to the household: Boxx, 1906; and Clarence, 1908.