Biography of William B McClendon, Independence Co, AR *********************************************** This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Michael Brown Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgenwebarchives.org *********************************************** ---------------------------------------------------------------------- SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northeast Arkansas. Chicago: The Goodspeed Publishing Co., 1889. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- page 689 William B. McClendon, farmer, Jamestown, Ark. For many years, or since his location in this county, the reputation which Mr. McClendon enjoys has been not only that of a substantial and progressive farmer, but of an intelligent and thoroughly-posted man in all public affairs. He is the son of Joel and Matilda (Mauldin) McClendon, the former a native of North Carolina. The father moved to Alabama while young, from there to Mississippi in 1840, and in 1853 to Independence County, Ark., where he departed this life in 1858. Mrs. McClendon came to Arkansas with her husband, and died at their home in 1857. William B. McClendon was born in Springville, St. Clair County, Ala., on the 28th of December, 1838, and began business for himself at the age of twenty years. He married his present wife, Mrs. Martha J. (Morgan) McClendon, the same year. Her parents, John and Mary Morgan, were natives of South Carolina, and both are deceased. Mr. McClendon, by his marriage, became the father of ten children, seven living: David E., aged twenty-nine years; Laura E., aged twenty-seven years; Cynthia E., aged twenty-one years; Henry C., aged eighteen years; George D., aged sixteen years; Bertha A., aged thirteen years, and Claude O., aged seven years. The three deceased are: Thomas J., aged twenty-four years; Neaty E., aged eleven months, and Effie, aged four weeks. Mr. McClendon owns 260 acres of excellent land in Independence County, on which he has a pleasant home with all modern improvements. He was with the Eighth Arkansas Regiment, Govan's Brigade, Cleburne's Division, Hardee's Corps, Army of Tennessee, for over three years during the late war; was wounded and captured at the battle of Murfreesboro, but made his escape, and came back to his home in Independence County, in 1864, where he began life anew by renting land for four years. In 1868 he bought land in the woods, his present farm. He has held the office of justice of the peace for two years; is a member of the Masonic lodge at Jamestown, and is a Democrat in politics. He has also been a member of the Missionary Baptist Church for thirty years.