Goodspeed's Jackson County, Arkansas Biographies (R-Y)

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SOURCE: The Goodspeed Publishing Co., 1889.
Contributed by Michael Brown.
USGenWeb Notice: http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
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Bibliography: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northeast Arkansas. 
Chicago: Goodspeed Publishers, 1890.

page 896
B. F. Ray, planter and stock raiser of Bird Township, was born in Lauderdale 
County, Ala., in 1838, being the ninth of twelve children born to Benjamin 
and Nancy (Dixon) Ray, the father of East Tennessee and the mother of South 
Carolina. Benjamin Ray served in the War of 1812. He settled in Alabama, on a 
plantation, where he died in February, 1864, his wife having died in 1861. He 
engaged in farming until his death. Our subject was reared on the plantation, 
receiving his education in the subscription and district schools of the State 
of Alabama, In 1862 he enlisted in Company C, of the Sixteenth Alabama 
Infantry, and was in the battles of Murfreesboro, Liberty Gap, Chickamauga, 
Missionary Ridge, and a number of skirmishes. also in Ringgold. In January, 
1864, he left the service and returned to Alabama, where he engaged in 
farming, coming to Jackson County, Ark., in 1868, and settling in the 
vicinity of Newport. In 1869 he married Josephine Slayden, of Jackson County, 
daughter of Coleman Slayden, a native of Middle Tennessee, and an early 
settler of Jackson County. Her father died in 1859, and her mother in 1864. 
In 1878 Mr. Ray settled on his present farm, which consists of 280 acres, 130 
under cultivation; he raises considerable stock, and a mixed crop of cotton, 
corn and hay. Mrs. Ray died in 1883, leaving two children: Prince Ella and 
William Thomas. In 1884 Mr. Ray married Elizabeth Carter, of Alabama, 
daughter of James and Lucinda (Rankins) Akens, who came to Jaekson County in 
1869; the father died in 1877, the mother is still living. Mr. Ray is not 
very active in politics, but votes with the Democratic party; he has been a 
member of the school board, and has always taken an active interest in school 
matters; he is a member of Kirkpatrick [p.896] Lodge No. 192. and has been 
Senior Warden. He has seen great changes in the county, and the edu? cational 
system is improving rapidly. The children by the second wife are Isaac and 
Franklin. 

Wilson LaFayette Robinson is a son of Mathew B. and Sarah (Lindsay) Robinson, 
and is a farmer and stock raiser of Grubbs Township. Jackson County. The 
father was a native of Virginia. and the mother was born in Tenuessee. In the 
fall of 1860. W. L. came to Arkansas with his parents, the mother dying in 
1862. and the father surviving until 1872. Mr. Robinson attended school in 
Alabama until his twentieth year, receiving in struction in the common 
branches. In 1862 he enlisted in Col. Mattock's regiment of Arkansas 
Volunteers. Confederate States Army. serving five or six months, when poor 
health rendered him an fit for service. In 1864 Mr. Robinson married Mrs. 
Frances (Blair) Coffin. who died in 1874; they had one child, which died in 
1868. July 22, 1874, Mr. Robinson again married. and to the latter union 
seven children were born. only two of whom are now living. viz.; Grover 
Cleveland. born Oetober 11, 1884, and Robert LaFayette. born May 7, 1888. In 
1863 our subject purchased quit claim deed to land in Grubbs Township, which 
was partly improved, and to which he subsequently added forty acres. upon 
which he erected a house, in which he lived eighteen years. He now owns 720 
acres of land. of which about 325 acres are under cultivation, the remainder 
being woodland. He has one of the best improved farms in the county, as a 
result of industry and enterprise. a well as good management and 
perseverance. 

page 897
W. A. Roy, farmer and stock raiser. Layman. Ark. Mr. Roy is a typical 
Arkansas citizen substantial. enterprising and progressive, and such a man as 
wields no small influence in the community where he makes his home. He was 
born in Shelby County. Tenn., in 1836. and was the second in a family of ten 
children. born to the union of Merida and Susan (Gentry) Roy. the father a 
native of South Carolina, and the mother of Tennessee. Merida Roy came with 
his parent to Tennessee in 1807, settling in the middle part of the State. 
and after growing to manhood was united in marriage to Miss Gentry. a 
representative of one of the old and much henered families of Tennes. see. He 
tilled the soil in that State, and was a prosporous and industrious farmer. 
He was a Democrat in policies, and a member of the Masonic fraternity for 
many years. His death took place in Shelby County, Tenn., in May, 1885, and 
his wife still survives him. She resides on the home farm in Shelby County. 
Their family was named as follows. John Thomas, presiding judge of Poinsett 
County: W. A., Eliza, now Mrs. Crain, resides in Tennessee: Frances. now Mrs. 
Clarridge, resides in Tennessee; Merida, married. and resides in Tenessee; 
Alfred, married, and a resident of Poinsert County; Daniel, resides in 
Poinsett County, and the remainder died when young. Tilling the soil was the 
pursuit W. A. Roy followed in youth, and his time was divided between this 
occupation and in attending the district school, where he reecived a good 
practical education. He was married. in Shelby County. Tenn., in 1857, to 
Miss Frances Jane Mastin, a native of Alabama, and the daughter of Henry and 
Hannah (Clark) Mustin, of Alabama nativity. Mr. and Mrs. Mustin first 
immigrated to Tennessee. thence to Jackson County. Ark., in the fall of 1860. 
and settled in Cow Lake Township. Here both parents passed their last days 
After his marriage Mr. Roy located on a farm in Tennessee, and there resided 
until 1863. when he came to Jackson County, Ark., and entered 160 acres of 
land, which he immediately began to improve. erecting a house, setting out 
orchards. etc. He continued to add to the original tract from time to time. 
until he is now the owner of 620 acres. with ninety acres under cultivation. 
He raises corn entirely, but his renters raise considerable cotton. Mr. Roy 
lost his wife in 1879. By that union he became the father of two living 
children: William Newton and Melinda Alice. His second marriage was 
consummated in Jackson County, in 1879. to Miss Martha Taylor, a native of 
Jackson County. Ark., and the daughter of Richard and Melinda (Bigham) 
Taylor, natives of Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor came to Jackson County, in 
1859, and there both closed their eyes to the sceaes of this world. Mr. Roy 
lost his [p.897] wife in 1887, and was left with four interesting children: 
Richard Churley, Louvenia J., Susan and Alafa. In 1888 Mrs. Susan (McFadden) 
Turner became the third wife of Mr. Roy. She was a native of South Carolina, 
the widow of Stephen Turner, and the daughter of Twitty McFadden, a native of 
South Carolina. Her father came to Jackson County, Ark., many years ago, and 
there died in 1868. Mr. Roy has been justice of the peace for some time, has 
been a member of the school board, and takes much interest in educational 
matters. He is a Democrat in polities. In 1862 he enlisted in Company C, Col. 
Matlock's regiment. and was with Gen. Price on his raid through Missouri. He 
was in the battle of Prairie Grove and numerous skirmishes. He and Mrs. Roy 
are members of the Christian Church, and he is an elder in the same. 

Dr. J. H. Rutland, of Swifton, Jackson County, was born in Georgia, in 1853. 
He was the second child in a family of eight, born to J. H. and Orphy 
(Jordan) Rutland, natives of Sumter County, Ga. The father owned and operated 
a large plantation in his native State, 1.800 acres in one tract and 1,300 in 
another. He is now president of the South Georgia Vocal and Instrumental 
Conservatory, and he and wife still live in Georgia. Dr. J. H. was reared on 
his father's plantation, receiving his early education in the public schools. 
He then entered the Westmoreland Medical College, at Atlanta, Ga., from which 
institution he graduated in 1886. He first located in Texas Township. 
Craighead County, Ark., where he built up a large and Incrative practice, 
removing to his present home in Swifton in 1889, where he is a prominent 
physician and surgeon, and enjoys extensive patronage. Dr. Rutland was 
married in Craighead County, in No. vember, 1888. to Florence Bell, a native 
of Tennessee, whose parents now live in Craighead County, Ark. Dr. Rutland is 
quite an active member of the Democratic party, pohtically, and, religiously, 
is a member of the Christian Church. He is a liberal supporter of public 
interests, and is one of the rising young men of Jackson County, where he is 
highly esteemed by all who know him. 

page 898
Otis W. Scarborough is one of the leading attorneys of Jackson County, and 
has been established in business in Newport since 1884. He was born in 
Kosciusko, Attala County, Miss., on the 24th day of December, 1849, and is a 
son of Isaac and Lucy G. (Harrison) Scarborough, being the eldest of their 
five living children: Otis W., Othello C., a physician; Isaac W., also a 
physician; Fenton G., wife of Wade F. Fletcher, and Lucy L.; seven children 
are deceased. The grandfather, John Scarborough, was born in North Carolina, 
but was of Welsh extraction, his father having been born in Wales, but 
removed to the New World, owing to some difficulty he had with the Crown. He 
settled in North Carolina, where he died, after having taken an active part 
in the Revolutionary War, his son John being also a participant in that war. 
They were both planters by occupation. Isaac Scarborough was born in 
Edgecombe County, N. C., and his wife in Madison County, Va. He was a lawyer 
by profession, and after his removal to Mississippi, about the year 1828, was 
admitted to the bar at Kosciusko, and there he has since made his home, being 
a prominent member of the legal fraternity in Attala County. He served as 
judge of the county and circuit courts for about ten years, and now, although 
in his seventy-fourth years, he shows few indications of decay, either 
mentally or physically. Otis W. Scarborough acquired an excellent education 
in the high school at Kosciusko, but, not being satisfied with the learning 
there acquired, he entered Davidson College, Mecklenburg County, N. C., in 
1868, becoming a member of the sophomore class, and from this institution he 
was graduated as an A. B., in June, 1871. Having determined to follow the 
profession to which his father was devoting his time, he entered the law 
department of the University of St. Louis, in the month of October, 1883, and 
graduated in May, 1885, being admitted to the bar in Kosciusko, in August, of 
the same year. He practiced his profession in his native town until December, 
1884, when he came to Newport, and the following year began the practice of 
law. He is an able practitioner, and his influence is felt when he takes the 
stand. for he is a fluent and eloquent speaker, and is always the thorough 
master [p.898] of the subject which he handles. He was married on the 24th of 
December, 1878, to Miss Cynthia E. Rimmer, by whom he has one child, James I. 
He and wife are members of the Methodist Episoopal Church, and he is a member 
of the I. O. O. F., belonging to the Encampment. 

Thomas J. Sconyers, an enterprising farmer of Village Township, Jackson 
County, came to Arkansas in January, 1870, with his parents, Darling and 
Samantha (Snyder) Sconyers, natives, respectively, of South Carolina and 
Alabama. Upon his arrival in Arkansas the father leased the Davis farm, upon 
which he died in August, 1870. He was the parent of ten children, viz.: 
Catherine, who died with diphtheria about 1863; Elizabeth, who first married 
Green Jacks, and after his death married Julius Wright; George married a Miss 
Phillips; Mary married a Mr. Rhodes; Polly Ann, wife of B. Eason; Ellen 
became the wife of Mr. Myrick, and both are now deceased; Victoria married 
Thomas Hutson; Nisie died, the wife of Rollie Phillips, and John first 
married a Miss Strauther, after whose death he married Miss Arnett. Thomas 
J., who was born February 20, 1846, received his education in the common 
schools of his native State, Alabama. March 16, 1873, he married Miss Mary 
Foushee, whose birth occurred March 20, 1856, and their six children are 
William C., born January 26, 1875; Joseph Edward, born January 20, 1878; 
George F., born March 4, 1881; Frances S., born September 19, 1884; Monte L., 
born August 31, 1886, and John T., born September 17, 1888. For about one 
year Mr. Sconyers worked for Mr. G. B. Branderburge, of Union Township, and 
the following six years rented land, which he farmed, and subsequently 
purchased. His first purchase consisted of 320 acres in Village Township, and 
afterward in partnership with Mr. J. T. Foushee, bought 240 acres in the same 
township. He now has about 150 acres improved, and raises corn and cotton, at 
which he has been successful. Mr. Sconyers was a member of the Thirteenth 
Alabama Regiment, Volunteer Infantry, Confederate States Army, enlisting in 
1863. He participated in the battles of the Wilderness and Petersburg (Va.), 
not taking off his cartridge-box for forty days and nights. Though a 
Confederate soldier, and, while in arms, fighting to conquer, Mr. Sconyers 
wishes it to go on record that he will hail with joy the day when sectarian 
animosities are forgotten, believing that there should be "no North, no 
South." He is an enterprising farmer, and is highly esteemed by all who know 
him. 

page 899
A. E. Shoffner, one of the leading planters of Jackson County, was born in 
North Carolina, on April 18, 1831, and is a son of Frederick and Susan 
(Danison) Shoffner, both natives of Germany, who emigrated to this country 
with their parents, and settled in North Carolina, the grandfather becoming a 
prominent planter in Orange County. The father was married in the same 
county, and died in that place in 1845, near Hillsboro, the mother dying 
several years later. They were the parents of two sons, Aenes E. and T. M. 
The former son was born and reared in Orange County, N. C., and received his 
education in that place. In the fall of 1858, he emigrated to Arkansas, and 
located at Batesville, where he remained until 1860, when he removed to 
Jackson County and settled in Richmond Township. He bought some land and 
commenced farming in that locality, but a few years afterward he moved to 
Breckinridge Township, and settled on a farm in that place. On his arrival in 
Arkansas he possessed very little, but being a man of industrious habits and 
economy he became very successful and accumulated considerable property. He 
now owns about 960 acres of valuable land in Jackson County, with about 300 
acres under cultivation, and a great many improvements on his other land. Mr. 
Shoffner has passed through many hardships in his life, and encountered 
obstacles in his path on almost every occasion when seeking to make his 
fortune, but his strong will, determination and upright character, have 
placed him in an independent position, and he is now a respected and highly-
esteemed citizen of his county. In the spring of 1862 he enlisted in Company 
I, of Ganze's regiment, and served until the surrender. He was principally 
assigned to the quartermaster's department during that time, but also took 
part in several battles. Mr. Shoffner was married in 1854, to Miss Martha N. 
Patterson, [p.899] by whom he had eight children: Emily I., Queeny A., Susan 
L., William H., Charles C., Edwin P., Daniel L. and Nanuie B. Mr. Shoffner 
has served as justice of the peace and constable of his township, and has 
also been one of the school directors. He is a member of the Knights of Honor 
and Royal Arcanum, and also of the Masonic fraternity. 

W. S. Shuford, treasurer of Jackson County, born in North Carolina, November 
29, 1821, in Lincoln County, was a great-grandson of Jacob Shuford, one of 
the earliest settlers of that section; at his death, in 1844, there were 
present seventy-five grandchildren, twenty-four great-grandchildren and 
several great-great-grandchildren. Jacob was born about 1764, in Lincoln 
County, was a farmer, and conducted a large plantation, owning several. He 
was several times elected sheriff. Our subject's parents were Abel H. and 
Adeline (Perkins) Shuford, natives of North Carolina, their parents, who were 
of Dutch and English descent, coming from Pennsylvania and Virginia, 
respectively; Abel H. was the fourth of eleven children: Betsey (Smyer), Eva 
(Ramsaeur), Fanny (Cansler), Susan (Reinhardt), John J. (merchant and 
farmer), Martin (member of the legislature), Abel Eli (farmer), Elkanah 
(farmer), Jacob (farmer), and Andrew (farmer, representative and Baptist 
minister); they all lived and died in Lincoln County. Adeline (Perkins) 
Shuford was a daughter of Ephraim and Elisabeth (Abernathy) Perkins, natives 
of Lincoln County, and she was the eldest of a family of ten children: 
Adeline (died at the age of forty-two in North Carolina), Elisha, Caroline, 
Catherine, Elizabeth J., John (deceased), David, Patsey, Daniel, Robert J. M. 
Abel H. Shuford was born October 11, 1796, and died January 4, 1858; October 
4, 1820, he married; both himself and wife were members of the German 
Reformed Church. He was a Whig, but took no active part in polities. The 
subject of this sketch was reared to farm life, and spent his school days in 
the old schools of that date. He worked with his father till 1846, when he 
went to Northern Mississippi, where he resided seven years, and in February, 
1851, he married Miss Ellen Grider, daughter of Jesse and Polly Grider, 
natives of Kentucky. After marriage he remained in Mississippi two years, 
when he came to Jackson County, Ark., and engaged in farming and clerking in 
Jacksonport till after the war, he being exempt from military service on 
account of age, and of being a cripple. Like a great many others, he lost all 
his property during the war, and when peace was declared found himself in 
possession of a dog, which had followed him to Texas and back, and two old 
mules. From 1865 to 1870 he clerked, and then bought 160 acres of land, on 
which he now resides, having cleared about ninety acres of the same. In 1874 
he was elected county treasurer, which office he has held continuously since, 
with the exception of the years 1880 and 1882, and is the present incumbent. 
He is a Democrat, though conservative, is a member of Poole Lodge No. 40, 
Chapter and Council, of the A. F. & A. M., at Jacksonport, and he and his 
family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he being trustee and 
steward. The family consists of Fanny (wife of Frank Howell), Mattie (wife of 
Rev. David Hare, deceased), Jesse (married and living at home), Mary T. (died 
at the age of eighteen months), Mrs. Hare and her four children live at home. 
Mr. Shuford had one of the first cotton-gins in this country, a horse power 
(in 1871), and in 1876 erected a steam gin, and has been engaged in ginning 
and milling, during the season for such work, ever since. He was one of the 
first settlers of the county, and gives his support, as far as able, to 
schools, churches and all other public enterprises. 
                                                                   
page 900
Joseph E. Slayden (deceased) was a native of Jackson County, and was a son of 
Coleman and Elizabeth (Briggs) Slayden, the father a native of Virginia, and 
the mother of North Carolina. The parents were married in Hickman County, 
Tenn., March 27, 1834. Two children were born to them in Tennessee, both of 
whom died. Six children were born in Arkaosas, viz.: Atlantic, born April 13, 
1839; Artarnesa, born November 11, 1841, married Levi Eader, December 27, 
1858, and died December 18, 1870; Joseph E., born June 22, 1844, married Miss 
Cordelia Graham, a native of Jackson County, Ark.; Cordelia, born December 
30, 1846, married Job Greenhaw, a farmer of Bird [p.900] Township. Jackson 
County; Ariminty, born March 13, 1848. became the wife of James P. Gurgo. a 
native of Tennessee, and died June 2, 1871; Jesephine. born January 21. 1852, 
married Frank B. Ray. and is now deceased. At the time of his marriage Joseph 
E. Slayden owned a farm in Union Township. which was under cultivation, and 
upon which he lived fifteen years; he owned in all 300 acres, of which 200 
were well improved. He afterward purchased 160 acres which were mostly under 
cultivation. and still later bought 240 acres more. upon which he erected a 
good dwelling and barns. The latter place was his home until his death. and 
then became the property of his wife and sister. Atlantic. To Mr. and Mrs. 
Slayden were born in all seven children. viz.: Levi Tillman, born January 12. 
1874; William H., born January 23, 1878; Thomas Jefferson, born August 23, 
1876; Joseph E., born February 9, 1880; Julius B., born March 20, 1884; James 
Morgan. born February 19. 1886, and Augustus, born August 15, 1887. Mr. 
Slayden was a public spirited man, of liberal views. and always took an 
active part in every enterprise for the advancement of his county or State. 
At the time of his death he was a member in good standing of Jacksonport 
Lodge No. 191, A. F. & A. M., and was a sincere friend of educational and 
religious interests. 

L. D. Smith. postmaster at Tuckerman. was born in Gibson County. West Tenn., 
in 1855, the fourth of nine children born to A. B. and M. J. (Woodard) Smith. 
natives of Middle Tennessee. The father was a farmer and came to Bird 
Township. Jackson County. in 1873. where he died in 1876. his wife surviving. 
Of this family there were Monroe M., Leroy D., James R. (deceased). George 
L., Ashley, Maggie (Mrs. Hogan). Mollie (Mrs. McFarland). Lena (Mrs. Layton. 
Decatur (deceased). Maud (deceased). The subject of this sketch. being raised 
on a farm, received his education in the district schools of Gibson County. 
Coming to Jackson County in 1873, he engaged in farming until he entered the 
grocery and drug business, in 1883. erecting a frame building that year, 
having lived in Tuckerman since 1882. In 1879 in Elgin, this county. he 
married Nora Coe. daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Coleman) Coe. early settlers 
of Independence County, where the father was engaged in mercantile business 
fill his death, in 1864. His wife died in 1885. They have a family of four 
children; Gussie M., Gertie, Ralph and Kate. Mr. Smith is active in polities, 
voting the Democratic ticket, and received his commission as postmaster from 
Cleveland. He has served as magistrate six years, has been delegate to county 
conventions at different times. and was a delegate to Little Rock, in 1888, 
to a convention of the various Democratic clubs. He always takes an active 
interest in all worthy enterprises for the advancement of the county. 

Hon. John W. Stayton is a prominent attorney of Newport, Ark., and is a 
native born resident of Helena. Ark., his birth occurring on the 6th of 
November, 1835. He is a son of Thomas N. and Esther (Harns) Stayton, who were 
born in Delaware and Virginia, respectively, but their mar. riage occurred in 
the State of Arkansas, whither the father had moved with his father, Hill D. 
Stayton, in 1820. They located in what is now Helena. Phillips County. Hill 
D. was a civil engineer, and came here with a contract for surveying land for 
the Government, and this occupation he followed until his death. The maternal 
grandparents were Virginians, who. at an early day, settled in the State of 
Kentucky, and later in Louisana, coming from there to Arkansas about the year 
1832. also taking up their abode in Helena. Mr. Harns was a planter, and died 
in Helena. Thomas N, Stayton was a small boy when he was brought to Arkansas, 
and his early youth was spent in farm labor. Like the majority of boys, the 
occupation which received his attention in his youth became his calling in 
after life, and his enterprises in the interests of agriculture have been 
attended with good results. Although he has now almost attained his four-
score years, he is still quite active, the "ravages of time" having had but 
little effect upon him. Of six children born to himself and wife, but three 
are living: John W., Dr. D. A., and R. F., wife of Dr. C. C. Herring. John W. 
Stayton remained on the home farm until he had attained his eighteenth year, 
when he entered the high school of Helena, and while there formed the 
resolution to make the profession of law his occupation through life, and 
upon leaving school he entered upon his legal studies with a determination to 
sueceed, and after a most thorough preparation he was admitted to the bar in 
1857, at Helena. From that time until the opening of the Civil War he was 
actively engaged in practicing in that town, then took charge of the county 
clerk's office, and served faithfully and well until the night of the 9th of 
July, 1862, when Helena was captured by the Federal troops, and everybody was 
put under arrest, Mr. Stayton being among the number. Upon his release he 
went to St. Louis, and being urged by some of his friends to aecept a 
position there, did so, and remained about one year. From that time until 
1866 he resided in Helena, and at the latter date came to Jacksonport, and 
embarked on the sea of merchandise, and successfully conducted this business 
until 1874, when he again engaged in the practice of his profession. The 
first office which he held was that of city recorder of his native town, and 
in 1868 he was chosen mayor of Jacksonport, and in 1874 was appointed by the 
governor as justice of the peace. Upon the re-organization of the State 
government, under the constitution of 1874, he was elected on the Democratie 
ticket, and in 1884 was chosen to the position of State senator from the 
Twentyninth District, and served a term of four years. In 1885 he was elected 
president pro tem. of the senate, and was acting governor in the absence of 
Gov. Hughes. From 1874 to 1878 he was county and probate judge, and the 
efficient manner in which he discharged the duties incumbent upon the 
different and responsible positions he has held is too well known to need any 
additional words of compliment; auffice it to say that he always labored on 
the side of right and justice, and that his career was above reproach. Since 
1885 he has been a resident of Newport, and as a member of the legal 
fraternity he has few superiors, and is a fluent and elegant pleader. He has 
always been victorious whenever his name has been announced before the public 
as a candidate for any office, and, although he has never been an office 
seeker, he has been recognized as a leader by his numerous friends and 
acquaintances, and, as a natural result, houors have been bestowed upon him. 
He is a member in good standing of the Masonic fraternity. On the 31st of 
June, 1861, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah J. Wickersham, a native 
of St. Louis, by whom he has had four children, three now living; Joseph M., 
partner with John W. in business; Mattie B. and John W., Jr. 

page 901-902
[p.901] George K. Stephens, a well-known liveryman and farmer of Jackson 
County, was born in Madison County, Tenn., in 1840, and is a son of Isaac and 
Mary J. (York) Stephens, of North Carolina and Tennessee, respectively, the 
father dying in the latter State in 1859. After his death the family moved to 
Jackson County, Ark., and located in Bird Township, where they resided until 
the mother's death, in 1882. George was reared principally in Tennessee, and 
came to Jackson County, Ark., when nineteen years of age. In 1861, when the 
Civil War called so many thousands of young men from home and family to face 
the fate that awaited them from cold steel or leaden bullet, he never 
hesitated a moment, but gallantly went forth to bear arms and battle for the 
Confederacy, He became a member of the Firat Arkansas Regiment, and the first 
that left the State, and was mustered in at Lynchburg, Va. His first battle 
was at Manassas, and, after that engagement was over, he was discharged, and 
returned to his home. He soon enlisted again, however, and joined Hooker's 
cavalry company, but was afterward dismounted and put into the Thirty-second 
Arkansas regiment, in which body he served until the close of the war. Mr. 
Stephens took part in a number of battles, and, at the evacuation of Little 
Rock, was captured and confined for two months in that city. He was then 
taken to Pleasant Hill, and exchanged, and, in a battle some time afterward, 
received a wound in his left hand from a rifle ball. After the war he 
returned home and resumed his farm work, now owning between 3,000 and 4,000 
acres of valuable land, with about 900 acres under cultivation. In 1869 he 
embarked in the livery business at Jacksonport, and continued there until 
[p.902] 1880, when he removed to Newport, where he has been ever since, and 
has established a lucrative trade. He was married, in 1866, to Miss Mary 
Stewart, by whom he has had five children: Isaac W. (who has charge of the 
livery business), Mary A. (wife of Judge M. M. Stuckey), Florence M., Fannie 
G. and Sarah. Mr. Stephens lost his first wife, and, in 1878, was married to 
Miss Alice York, by whom be has had three children: Stella, Guy and Lydia. He 
is a Mason, and a very popular man in both business and social circles. 

T. S. Stephens, the popular and efficient sheriff and collector of Jackson 
County, was born in Madison County, Tenn., on the 30th of April, 1849, and is 
a son of Isaac and Mary J. (York) Stephens, of North Carolina and Tennessee, 
respectively. The parents were married in Jackson, Tenn., and resided in that 
city until the father's death occurred, in 1851. The mother was again 
married, her second husband being Alexander Claridge, and shortly after ward 
moved to Jackson County, Ark. Four children were born by her first marriage, 
three of them yet living: George K., Fannie, widow of Elsie Brown, and 
Theophilus S., and by her second husband one child was born, John H. The 
elder Stephens was a shoemaker by trade, and followed that vocation all his 
life, while the husband of his widow, Mr. Claridge, was a school-teacher, who 
taught for some time at the West Union College, near Cuba. The latter 
gentleman died at Sulphur Rock, Independence County, about the year 1869, and 
his wife survived him until 1882, dying in the town of Newport. T. S. 
Stephens was only eight years old when he moved to Arkansas with his mother, 
and received the greater portion of his education in Independence County. He 
remained on the farm and cultivated the soil, an occupation he seemed to take 
delight in, until his twentieth year, when he made a visit to Jacksonport. 
While at that place he met and was introduced to several business men, and 
the idea of a commercial life then seemed to enter his mind. The consequence 
was that he remained at Jacksonport and went into one of the grocery firms, 
where he clerked for several years. In political life he was always very 
active, and after a few years' residence in that city he was elected 
constable, and filled the office for two terms, in the meanwhile terminating 
his engagement with the grocery firm, and carrying on a livery business of 
his own. His integrity and the manner in which he conducted himself while in 
office won the support of almost every citizen, and in 1882 he was elected 
sheriff and collector, the office he fills at present, and to which he has 
been re-elected four terms. Mr. Stephens owns about 1,200 acres of good land, 
and has some 500 acres under cultivation, the soil being adapted to almost 
any kind of growth, and also good for grazing purposes. On March 4, 1884, he 
met and won Miss Belle Taylor for his bride, who died in November of the same 
year. His second wife was Miss Emma Kellogg, whom he married on July 15, 
1885. This union gave them four children, of whom three are yet living: 
George K., Ralph C. and Mary J. Beth Mr. and Mrs. Stephens are members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, while Mr. Stephens belongs to the Masonic 
fraternity, I. O. O. F. Lodge and Encampment, Knights of Pythias, Knights of 
Honor and Legion of Honor. He is prominent in political affairs, and a 
popular man among all classes of society, his position being such that he is 
brought in contact with many different phases of life while in the discharge 
of his duties. 

page 903
A. Steveley, the proprietor of the Newport Lumber Company, was born in Essex 
County, N. J., May 1, 1824, and is a son of Andrew and Jeannette (Hay) 
Steveley, who were of Scotch descent. The genealogy of the family can be 
traced back 300 years. Both the paternal and maternal grandparents died in 
New Jersey, in which State Andrew Steveley also died, his death being caused 
from cholera, in 1848. He was a copper refiner by occupation, and made this 
his calling through life. A. Steveley, the subject of this sketch, is the 
only one of the two children, born to himself and wife, now living, and after 
his death his widow married again, becoming the worthy companion of John 
Frame, who was a participant in the War of 1812. She also died in New Jersey. 
A. Steveley was reared and educated in his native State, and in his youth 
learned the cabinet-maker's trade. At the [p.903] age of twenty-one years he 
left his home and parents to take up his abode in New York City, and after 
working at his trade in that city for about five years he removed to the 
"Nutmeg State." In 1857 we find him in Wisconsin, which State continued to be 
his home until 1873, in which year he removed to the city of Chicago, where 
he acted as foreman for different establishments until 1884. At that time he 
removed to Newport, Ark., and became manager for the Newport Lumber Company, 
continuing as such until February, 1889, when he bought out the entire 
establishment, and has since managed affairs alone. He manufactures lumber of 
a fine grade, and ships to many different points, but principally to Chicago, 
and his establishment gives employment to about forty men the year round. Mr. 
Steveley is a member in good standing of the Masonic fraternity, is a public-
spirited citizen, and in the interest of all good works has been an active 
partioipunt. In 1846 he was married to Maria Adair, a native of Pennsylvania, 
and by her he has five children: Eliza, Benjamin, Walter, John and William. 

Dr. J. H. Strider, though still a young man, has established an enviable 
reputation in Jackson County, and is one of its leading physicians. He was 
born in Tallahatchee County, Miss., on the 12th of July, 1857, and is a son 
of Henry A. and Abigail (McMullen) Strider, the former a native of Virginia, 
who moved to Mississippi in his boyhood, locating in Tallahatchee County, 
where he was afterward married, residing there until his death, in 1874, the 
wife, who was a native of Tennessee, dying a number of years previous. They 
were the parents of four children, of whom the Doctor is the only survivor, 
and when the latter was only two years old, he was taken charge of by an 
uncle, who died in 1865, and later by his aunt, with whom he still makes his 
home on a farm in Jackson County. At the age of nineteen years he began the 
study of medicine, and attended lectures at the University of Nashville, from 
which institute he graduated in 1879. He immediately returned to Jackson 
County, and commenced practicing, which he continued up to 1883, when he 
abandoned his profession, much to the regret of a large number of friends, 
and turned his attention entirely to farming. He owns 480 acres of land, and 
has 200 acres under cultivation, the largest portion of the farm having been 
improved since his residence upon it. He raises corn and cotton principally, 
but the soil is valuable, and well adapted to almost any growth, and he has 
been as successful in this venture as he was in his profession. In 1879 the 
Doctor was married to Miss Ada Frost, of Nashville, Tenn., by whom he has had 
three children: Mnud, Mary and Caroline, and he is a kind husband and 
indulgent father, as well as a valuable citizen to the community. Dr. Strider 
is a member of the Baptist Church, Masonic fraternity, and the Agricultural 
Wheel. 

page 904
M. M. Stuckey, the county and probate judge of Jackson County, and one of its 
leading men, was born at Alton, Ill., on the 16th of December, 1853, and is a 
son of Michael M. and Amelia (Bushweiler) Stuekey, the father a netive of 
Kentucky, and the mother from Worms, Germany, in the province of Hesse-
Darmstadt, Mrs. Stuckey coming from her native country with a cousin, Louis 
May, who is now a prominent New York banker. The father met and was married 
to her in Illinois, where they resided for a number of years, and then moved 
to Wichita, Kas., their present residence. The father is a well known and 
popular minister of the Methodist faith. Nine children were born to the 
parents, of whom eight are yet living: Margaret, Lucy, M. M., Milton, 
Frederick and Minnie. The elder Stuckey was twice married previous to meeting 
Miss Bushweiler, both of his former wives being sisters by the name of 
McCauley. M. M. Stuckey was reared and received a common school education in 
Butler, Ill., completing his studies at the Depann University of Greencastle, 
Ind., which he left at the end of the sophomore term. After his college days 
were over he traveled for the house of R. L. Billingsley & Co., St. Louis, 
for a few years, and then severed his connection with the firm, coming 
immediately to Jackson County, Ark. He there taught school for a short time, 
and commenced reading law under Judge Phillips. In September, 1883, he was 
admitted to the bar, and in 1884 he commenced to practice, meeting with 
[p.904] remarkable success since that time. In 1886 he was elected to his 
present office, and re-elected in 1888. Judge Stuekey is a self made man, and 
one who has worked himself up in the world by his own intellect and industry. 
He has made a reputation in his profession that is seldom equaled, and it is 
said that he is better posted in the fine points of law than any other lawyer 
in that section. He was married, in July, 1888, to Miss Alice Stephens, who 
has been a devoted wife, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
while the Judge belongs to the I. O. O. F. He takes a great interest in all 
alfairs of his county, which he understands will be of benefit to its 
citizens, and he is one of the most popular men in that community. The Judge 
has completed a set of abstract books of Jackson County, which are a boon to 
its citizens, as any title may be found within a few minutes, and they are at 
his office for inspection any day. 

Solomon D. Sullins, a farmer and stock raiser, residing on Section 29, Grubbs 
Township, Jackson County, came to Arkansas with his parents in the year 1849. 
He is a son of Jesse and Catherine (Eaves) Sullins, both natives of North 
Carolina, to whom were born ten children, all of whom grew to maturity, 
married, and have homes of their own. One of the sons married in North 
Carolina, where he still lives. The other members of the family who are still 
living reside in Arkansas, all farmers and farmers' wives. Solomon D. married 
Miss Sarah A. Hankins, July 11, 1869. She is a native of Georgia, from which 
State her parents moved to Craighead County, Ark., and thence to Jackson 
County. To Mr. and Mrs. Sullins have been born eleven children, viz.: Celia 
C., born in November, 1870, now the wife of Nathan Holbrook, of Bates ville, 
Independence County, Ark.; Georgia A., born in September, 1872; Cornecei A., 
born in January, 1874; William L., born March 30, 1875; Isaac J., born in 
1876; Sarah J., born in 1878; Lydie O., born in 1879; Mary Frances, born in 
1881; James A., born in 1884; Solomon Wright, born in 1886; and Jesse T., 
born in 1889. Mr. Sullins commenced business for himself in December, 1866, 
working for three years with an older brother, James Sullins, at the 
expiration of which time he rented land that he cultivated one year. He then 
bought a tract of land which was partly improved, and had a very good log 
house which had been erected by the former owner. He made many substantial 
improvements on this place, planting a good orchard of peaches and apples. In 
1882 Mr. Sullins rented and moved to the farm upon which he now resides, 
which place he purchased in 1884. He now owns in all 600 acres of good laud 
in Jackson Connty, which is well adapted to all the varieties of products of 
the temperate zone. Mr. and Mrs. Sullins and the four older children are 
members of the Christian Church, worshiping in Robinson's Chapel. 

page 905
J. A. Sursa was born in Madison County, Ill., in 1840. He was the eldest in 
the family of seven children born to William and Elizabeth (Steward) Sursa, 
natives of Tennessee. William Sursa, who was a farmer and millwright, moved 
from Tennessee to Madison County, Ill., in 1832, locating on a farm, upon 
which he remained until 1847; he then moved to Jefferson County, purchasing a 
farm near Mount Vernon, where he spent the remainder of his life, his death 
occurring in 1865. Mrs. Elizabeth Sursa still resides in Mount Vernon, Ill. 
Of their children besides our subject, George is married, and is a farmer in 
Missouri, and Sarah, now Mrs. Staley, lives near Mount Vernon, Ill. J. A. 
Sursa was brought up on a farm, receiving his education in his native county. 
In 1876 he removed to Jackson County, Ark., first locating near Elgin, where 
he worked as a farm laborer. He then engaged in farming for himself, in 
Lawrence County, Ark., purchasing in 1880 a traet of timber of 120 acres, 
which he commenced clearing and improving; he erected a good log house, and 
now has all except forty acres fenced, with sixty acres under cultivation. 
Mr. Sursa was married, in Greene County in 1881, to Elizabeth Can, who was 
born in Tennessee and reared in Kentucky, a daughter of John and Margaret 
Can, the former of whom died in Kentucky; the mother removed to Greene County 
in 1880, and later to Jackson County, where she died in 1882. Mr. Sursa has a 
good home in Glass Township, and devotes his entire [p.905] attention to 
farming and stock raising; he is interested in every enterprise for the 
advancement of the county, and is a public-spirited man. 

John Sweat, residing between Weldon and Tupelo, on Section 9, was born in 
Georgia in May 1848. being a son of Noah and Betsy J. (Hargett) Sweat, 
natives of Sonth Carolina. John has been a farmer all his life, having been 
reared on his father's farm, and on coming to Arkansas rented of L. B. 
McDonald, of Newport, Ark., where he has lived for years. In 1888 he 
purchased 160 acres of land, about sixty being improved, and since that time 
has cleared some twenty acres, about ten being under cultivation. Mr. Sweat 
has 345 acres under cultivation on the McDonald farm. His father served three 
years in the Confederate army, participating in the battles of Shiloh and New 
Hope. December 26, 1883, Mr. Sweat married Miss Jennie Cooper; they have had 
a family of four children: Columbus, Maud, Lena and John. Mr. and Mrs. Sweat 
are members of the Sand Hill Missionary Baptist Church. 

E. J. Taylor, a prominent and enterprising citizen of Bird Township, Jackson 
County, was born in North Carolina in 1814, the fifth child of Charles and 
Mary (Turner) Taylor, of North Carolina, the father an extensive planter of 
North Carolina, who died in Mississippi in 1855, his excellent wife dying in 
1836. The subject of this sketch was reared on the farm, and educated in the 
subseription schools of Alabama, and at the age of twenty-two enlisted for 
three months' service under Gen. Scott, against the Creek and Seminole 
Indians, after which time he clerked in Huntsville, Ala., for nine years, and 
in 1845 went to Memphis, and conducted a general store. After his marriage, 
in 1850, he engaged in farming, in De Soto County, Miss., till after the 
close of the war. He improved a large plantation, and in 1866 moved to 
Memphis, and opened a grocery and commission business, which he conducted 
until 1873, when he sold the business, and came to Bird Township, locating at 
Elgin. He engaged in farming, and now owns a good farm of 2,000 acres, in 
Jackson and Independence Counties, with 600 under cultivation, raising 
principally cotton. In connection with his son, James O., he has a cotton-gin 
and grist-mill, and also a lumber-mill, for their own use. They also have a 
supply store. His son is postmaster at Elgin. Our subject is a Democrat, and 
a member of Memphis Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and he and his wife are members of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. In 1850 he married Mary J. Oliver, a 
native of Georgia, and daughter of James and Lucy (Clark) Oliver, of Virginia 
and Georgia; the father died in 1848, and the mother in 1850. They have two 
children: James O. married Julia Ethel Doswell, and Lucy Ann. Mr. Taylor is 
actively interested in every thing pertaining to the good of the county. 

page 906
Thomas Toler is a native of Johnson County, N. C., and was born in November, 
1844. He is a son of Thomas and Mary (Holder) Toler, who were the parents of 
eleven children, of whom our subject was next to the youngest. Both the 
paternal and maternal ancestors were of Irish descent, and were pioneers of 
North Carolina. The father of our subject, who was a native of Wayne County, 
N. C., owned and operated a very large plantation in Johnson County, where he 
was a well-known and influential man. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, 
and for many years served as magistrate, taking an active part in politics 
and sympathizing with the Whig party. He died in Johnson County in 1849, his 
widow surviving until 1865. Thomas Toler, the subject of this sketch, was 
reared to the pursuit of farming, receiving his education in the district and 
subseription schools of Johnson County. In 1861 he enlisted in Company E, 
Twenty-fourth North Carolina Infantry, and was mustered into service at 
Weldon, N. C., June 24. He took part in the Seven Days' Battle around 
Richmond, the battle of Antietam, Winchester, and at the siege of Petersburg, 
doing service with the corps of sharpshooters; he received a wound in the 
left leg and was first confined in the hospital at Richmond. He was then sent 
home on wounded furlough, where he was captured by Sherman, taken before 
Blair, and was imprisoned at Hurt's Island, N. Y., until the close of the 
war. Returning to Johnson County, N. C., he engaged in farming until 1867, 
when he went to Obion County, Tenn., and farmed [p.906] two years. In 1869 he 
removed to Jackson County, Ark, and two years later bought a tract of 160 
acres. in Glass Township, six acres of which were cleared. He planted an 
orchard and made some improvements, after which be sold out and reated land. 
In 1877 he purchased 240 acres, which were partly improved, and which he 
still owns, having now under cultivation seventy-five acres. upon which he 
raises some timothy and clover, but more cotton. Mr. Toler read law at one 
time and now does some successful practicing in the justice's court. having 
served as justice of the peace since 1883. Mr. Toler was first married, in 
Sampson County. N. C., in 1864, to Virginia J. Walton, of Raleigh, N. C., who 
died in 1879. Of the children born to this union four are living, viz.: 
Thomas W., a physician and surgeon, of Swifton: Charles A., a traveling 
salesman; Auna V. and Edward C. In 1880 Mr. Toler married Martha Lollar, of 
Lewrence County, Ark., whose parents. David and Sarah (Michael) Lollar, were 
natives of North Carolina, and settled in Lawrence County. Ark., before the 
war, where the mother still lives, the father being deceased. Mr. and Mrs. 
Toler have three children; William A., Mary Carolina and Mattie. Mr. Toler is 
an active politician, voting with the Democrats. He is also a member and 
elder in the Christian Church, and one of the most prominent and influential 
farmers of Glass Township. 

Rush L. Tucker, farmer and stock raiser, of Grande Glaise Township, was born 
in Arkansas, October 22, 1843, the son of Stitch and Minerva (Steel) Tueker. 
Our subject's grandfather came to Arkansas in 1812. when Stitch was one year 
old. He had three children by his first wife, the father of Rush L. being the 
third, who died at the age of thirty-eight, his wife dying in 1873. In Stitch 
Tucker's family there were three children: Sarah E., Chester A. and Rush L. 
The latter received his education in the private schools of his county. In 
1862 he enlisted in the Thirty-fourth Regiment Arkansas Volunteers, and 
served until October. 1864. Mr. Tucker is the owner of 150 acres of land, 
which he gained by inheritance. 100 acres from his mother a estate, the 
remainder from his father's. He has been a large land owner, but has sold it. 
till he now owns but 160 acres, twenty-five of which are under cultivation. 
He was married, January 31, 1864. to Miss Mary L. Hall, a native of 
Tennessee. They had three children, two now living: Stephen H. and Chester A. 
September 12, 1875, he married Miss Celia Foster, a native of Arkansas. Their 
three children are Lucy, Robert Lee and Jesse Gray. October 12, 1886. Mr. 
Tucker married Miss Mary Snider, of Mississippi, who has home one child. 
Nellie Ann. Mr. Tueker is a memher of Byers Lodge No. 81, A. F. & A. M., of 
Bradford, White County, Ark. He takes no active part in polities, but is a 
Demoerat, and is a friend to all religions, social and educational 
advancement. 

page 907
Joseph J. Walker, circuit clerk and ex-officio county clerk and recorder, of 
Jackson County, was born in Christian County, Ky., on November 12, 1843. His 
parents were Joseph and Delila A. (Coffman) Walker, of Logan County, Ky., and 
of Scotch and Dutch descent. The Walker family were among the early settlers 
of Kentucky, and the grandfatber. in his younger days, was an associate of 
Daniel Boone. The father was left an orphan when quite small. and was reared 
on a farm, but upon reaching maturity, he branched out for himself and 
entered into commercial life, at Chillicothe. Mo., where he remained several 
years. He nert resided in Greene County, Ill., where he died in 1871, the 
mother also dying in that county, in 1886. They were the parents of eight 
children, of whom six are yet living; William E., of Boone County, Ark.; 
George H., of Quincy, Ill.; Mary, widow of John Fitzsimmons, of Carrollton, 
Ill.; Joseph J., Phillip, deceased; John R., James V., and Emma. deceased. 
Joseph was reared in Kentacky until his fifteenth year. when he moved to 
Missouri with his parents, in which State he remained until the Civil War 
commenced. After that he went to Quincy. Ill., and from there to Atchison, 
Kas., then to Nebraska City and finally back to Quiucy, Ill., where he redded 
until 1866, when he came to Jackson County. Ark, and located at Elgin. He 
here found employment as bookkeeper with a business house in that town and 
remained with the tirm three years. He next [p.907] commenced farming and 
continued at that until the fall of 1875, when he removed to Jacksonport, and 
again entered into mercantile life, continuing in that branch until 1883. He 
then entered the sheriff's office as deputy, and continued in that capacity 
until the fall of 1884, when he was elected to his present office, and twice 
re-elected. Mr. Walker is one of the pioneers of this section, and a 
prominent and influential man in the community. He is a member of the Masonic 
Order and Knights of Honor, as well as the American Legion of Honor. He was 
married August 3, 1869, to Miss Deborah B. Foushee, by whom he has had five 
children: Joseph, Owen, Emma, Mattie and Beasie, and with his wife he attends 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

James Edward Wallace, a planter and stock raiser of Union Township, Jackson 
County, was born in Rutherford County, N. C., September 7, 1852, and is a son
of Wesley W. and Isabella (Rutherford) Wallace, natives, respectively, of
Edinburg, Scotland, and Rutherford County, N. C. Wesley W. Wallace emigrated
to Mount Pleasant, Miss., about 1852, where he lived until 1862, when he 
removed to Arkansas, locating on Village Creek, Section 10. Jackson County, 
on the farm now owned by J. W. Parish; upon this farm Mr. Wallace lived until
his death, in 1865, and was buried in the family cemetery, which was on the 
farm. He was the father of twelve children, eight of whom grew to maturity, 
viz.: Sarah (who died at the age of twenty years), William (who served in the
Coufederate Army, Seventh Arkansas Regiment, under command of Col. Cleburne,
and at the battle of Franklin, Tenn., lost his right arm, died in 1871, and 
was buried in the family cemetery), Carrie (who married Dr. Chunn, and now 
resides at Searcy, White County, Ark.). James E., Amelia (wife of N. B. 
Wishon. of Newport, Ark.), Mary (who married I. D. Price, postmaster of 
Newport), Rina (wife of W. C. Wishon, agent for the Adams Express Company at
Newport), Katie (wife of a physician at St. Louis, Mo.), John W., and Dr. 
R. W. (who married a Miss Brooks, of Florida, and now resides in Texas 
engaged in farming and stock raising). James E. Wallace was but thirteen 
years of age at the time of his father's death, and being one of the elder 
boys a great deal of responsibility fell upon him. He assumed the management
of the farm and took upon himself the rearing and educating of the younger 
children, all of which he performed with credit. Mr. Wallace now owns three
farms, containing in all about 540 acres, of which 212 acres are well 
improved and under cultivation, growing principally cotton and corn, with 
some oats, millet, clover, etc. October 11, 1877, he married Mary E. Hart, 
who is a native of Tennessee. Of their four children three died in infancy; 
the survivor, William Wallace, was born March 11, 1884. Mr. Wallace is a 
member of Newport Lodge, I.O.O.F., which he joined in his twenty-first year. 

page 908
John W. Wallace, a prosperous and enterprising merchant, of Newport, Ark., 
was born in Marshall County, Miss., in the town of Holly Springs, on the 29th 
of January, 1854, being a son of Wesley W. and Isabella M. (Rutherford) 
Wallace, the former a native of South Carolina, and the latter of North 
Carolina. They were married in North Carolina, and at an early day removed to 
the State of Mississippi, where they purchased a farm and a number of slaves, 
and conducted their plantation with success for a number of years. About 1862 
they removed to the State of Arkansas, and located in Jackson County, and 
from that time until the father's death, in 1865, he was engaged in farming a 
large plantation near Newport. His widow survived him until 1877, when she, 
too, passed to her long home. Eight of a family of eleven children survive 
them: Carrie V. (wife of Dr. T. D. Cbunn), James E., Amelia (wife of N. B. 
Wishon), John W., Mamie (wife of I. D. Price), Rina E. (wife of W. C. 
Wishon), Kate (wife of Dr. G. Hnrt), and Robert W. John W. Wallace, the 
subject of this biography, was only eight years of age at the time of his 
parents' location in this county, and here he was reared and educated, and 
after securing a good common school education he completed his scholastie 
training in the North Arkansas College. Upon leaving his school days behind 
him he started out in life for himself as a clerk for Wishon Bros., of 
Jacksonport, and after remaining with them in this [p.908] capacity for seven 
years he was taken into the business as a partner. They only remained thus 
connected one year. when Mr. Wallace sold to them his interest and embarked 
in the same enterprise on his own responsibility, establishing himself in 
Newport, the firm name being John W. Wallace & Co. At the end of one year he 
purchased his partner's interest and has since been alone. He was so 
unfortunate as to lose his property in the fire of 1883, but he removal to 
Rogers, Ark., and opened a store: not liking the location, however, he sold 
his goods and returned to Newport. His stock of goods is well selected and 
extensive, and Mr. Wallace fully deserves the success which is attending his 
labors, for he conducts his affairs on strictly honest principles, and is 
enterprising and industrious. He belongs to the Royal Arcanum, and he and 
wife, whose maiden name was Vannie Lynn. and whom he married in 1884, are 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. She was born in the State of 
Indiana, and by Mr. Wallace is the mother of one child-Ruth. 

T. T. Ward. One of the best known members of the Arkansas press, is Mr. Ward. 
who edits the Jackson County Herald. He was born in Bertie County. N. C., on 
February 8. 1843, and is a son of T. W. and Frances E. (Bentley) Ward, of the 
same State. The father died while on the way with his family to the State of 
Tennessee, and is buried at Glade Spring. Va. The other members of the family 
came on to Tennessee and located at Brownsville, where they remained until 
1852. when they moved to Batesville, Ark. Young Ward was reared and educated 
in Batesville, and at the age of thirteen years was apprenticed to the 
printer's trade, which he had thoroughly learned at the end of his term. At 
the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in Company E. Seventh Arkansas 
regiment and served until the surrender, taking part in the battles of 
Shiloh, Mufreesboro. Chickamanga. Franklin, and in fact all the greater 
engagements. His war record is one that will never be tarnished by time nor 
die out of the recollection of his old comrades, and no man ever fought more 
gallantly for the cause he undertook than did Private Ward. On December 16, 
1864, he was severely wounded by a rifle ball in the right wrist, but after 
his recovery continued to serve until the surrender. After the war was over 
he returned to his trade, and in 1879 purchased the Herald, which, under his 
management, advanced to a larger circulation than it had ever attained 
before. In 1882 be moved the paper to Newport, and has since then issned it 
from that city. Mr. Ward was married in 1871 to Miss Belle Harbison, by whom 
he has had two children: Allie and May, and has one of the brightest homes in 
Northeast Arkansas. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. 

page 909
W. J. Walkins. A name that is familiar to many households in Northeast 
Arkansas, and one of the leading physicians in that section, is Dr. Watkins. 
He was born in Rush County, Ind., on October 14, 1849, and is a son of Joseph 
and Sarah A. (Miller) Watkins. of North Carolina and Virginia, respectively. 
The families are of Welsh and German descent, and the grandparents on both 
sides were born in Virginia. The paternal grandfather emigrated to North 
Carolina, and resided in that State several years, when he removed to Rush 
County. Ind., where he died as did also the maternal grandfather. The father 
of Dr. Watkins was a farmer, and was married in Indiana. In his latter days 
he carried on a successful brokerage business, and at the time of his death 
was one of the best known brokers in Brown County. His body was removed to 
Rush County and buried, as was also that of the mother. They were the parents 
of eight children, of whom seven are still living: Berry H., Martha. Perry. 
William J., Louisana. Hester A. and Felicia. The Doctor was reared in Rush 
County, and moved to Brown County when in his fourteenth year. He received a 
very liberal education in his youth, and, at the age of seventeen years, 
began to study medicine. In 1867 he commenced to attend the medical lectures 
at the Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati. and, in 1872, be graduated from 
the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery. After being thoroughly versed 
in his profession he went to Newburg, Ind, and commenced practicing. He 
remained there a short time, and then moved to Arkansas, locating at Clover 
Bend. but, three years [p.909] after, he again changed, and settled at Walnut 
Ridge, in the same county, where he remained until the spring of 1889, when 
he left, to the regret of many friends, and moved to Newport. He is building 
up a fine practice, and is regarded as one of the most competent physicians 
in that section, besides being a very popular man socially. He is a member of 
the Lawrence County Medical Association, and was its president for a number 
of years, as well as being a member of the State Medical Society. The Doctor 
also belongs to the Knights of Honor, and was the State medical examiner of 
that organization for three and one-half years, also belonging to the Masonic 
fraternity. He was married in 1872 to Miss Elizabeth T. Jenkins, daughter of 
Dr. J. H. and Sarah C. (nee Wayland) Jenkins, both natives of Kentucky, by 
whom he has had one child, G. Maxey, the lady being a sincere and 
conscientious Christian, and a member of the Presbyterian Church. Dr. Watkins 
has become one of the most enterprising and valuable citizens of whom 
Lawrence County can boast. He is always a leading spirit in anything 
advancing and improving the community. 

E. L. Watson. In any worthy history of Jackson County, Ark., the name that 
heads this sketch will always be given an enviable place among the leading 
citizens of the county, and its self-made wealthy business men. His 
experience in life has been quite a varied one, but at the same time reflects 
only credit upon him as a man. He was born in Pulaski County, Ga., November 
25, 1819, and is a son of Orin and Lydia (Smith) Watson, who were of English 
descent, early settlers of Georgia, and removed to Tennessee, locating in 
Henry County, in 1822, where his mother died, in 1828, and his father died on 
his second trip from his home in Georgia, in camp on Chattanooga Mountains. 
Tennessee, in 1822. The father was a farmer by occupation, and he and wife 
became the parents of thirteen children, three of whom are living: LeRoy, 
Martha A. and Elbert L. The most important years of the latter's life were 
spent in Tennessee, after he had reached his fifteenth year, and although he 
was reared in town, most of the education he received was obtained through 
self-application. In 1836 he left home and kindred to fight his own way in 
the world, and soon found himself in Hickman County, Ky., where he remained 
until 1851, being engaged in the occupation of merchandising and farming. He 
also served for quite a number of years as sheriff of that county. On the 
25th of December, 1853, he arrived in Jackson County, Ark, and immediately 
located in Jacksonport, where he opened a mercantile establishment, 
conducting the same with the best of success for a great many years, but in 
1861 gave up this work to enlist in Patterson's Eighth Arkansas Regiment, 
serving until the month of June, 1862, when, on account of rheumatism, he was 
compelled to resign, and returned to his home and fireside. In 1883 he 
removed to Newport, where he carried on merchandising until February, 1886, 
when he sold out and engaged in the broker's business, which he is still 
successfully conducting. He has now in process of erection, a substantial 
bank, and is putting in a fine iron and steel cased burglar and fireproof 
vault, at a great expense, and the bank, when finished, will be known as the 
Newport Safe Deposit Bank. Mr. Watson owns about 20,000 acres of land in 
Jackson and adjoining counties, a part of which is occupied by tenants, and 
several of his farms are very finely improved and are very valuable. To his 
second marriage, with Miss Lizzie J. Caldwell, in 1858, a family of five 
children have been born: Oren D., Mattie, Ellen, Birdie and Bessie. Mrs. 
Watson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is a Mason, and 
is one of the leading and prominent men of Jackson County, having been a 
resident of this county for thirty-six years. 

page 910
T. J. Watson, a retired and highly respected merchant of Jackson County, was 
born in Hickman County, Ky., on the 8th of December, 1845, and is a son of E. 
L. and Mary (James) Watson. Mr. Watson was but nine years old when he came to 
Jackson County, Ark., with his parents and received the greater portion of 
his education at the Forest Home Academy. Like many of the young men at that 
period, his Southern blood was aroused at the first intimation of war, and he 
joined the Confederate army in the early days of the rebellion, [p.910] 
becoming a member of the Tenth Tennessee Cavalry, Company E. He took part in 
the light at Parker's Cross Roads. Thompson's Station and a number of other 
engagements and skirmishes, and in February, 1864, he was captured at Fort 
Donelson and confined for about three months. At the end of that time he was 
paroled and returned home, where he embarked in business at Jacksonport, 
until February, 1883, when he moved to Newport and carried on his business 
quite extensively, but in 1889 he sold out and has been practically retired 
ever since. In 1874 he was elected by the county court to collect the revenue 
of Jackson County, but owing to some fault of the bond. which was $200,000, 
he was never qualified. Mr. Watson was married in 1869 to Miss Elizabeth 
Boyd, of Jackson County, by whom he has had live children: Kate M., Lucy, 
Elbert L., Bessie and Fannie. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and 
Hugh DePayne Commandery at Little Rock, as also the Hiram Council No. 18 and 
Blue Lodge, at Newport, holding the offices of Past Master of the Blue Lodge, 
and Past High Priest of Jackson Chapter, as well as positions in the Council; 
he is also an ex-member of the Knights of Pythias and Ancient Order of Odd 
Fellows. He is also Senior Warden of the lodge at Newport, and has been 
representative of the Masonic fraternity at the Grand Lodge. Mr. Watson is a 
full fledged Mason. and takes a deep interest in all matters pertaining to 
the fraternity. 

page 911
Dr. R. P. Watson, of Newport. Jackson County, was born in Hempstead County, 
Ark.: in 1848, and is the only child of William and Nellie Caldwell) Watson, 
natives, respectively, of Virginia and Arkansas. William Watson emigrated 
from Virginia to Middle Tennessee at an early day, and in 1837 located in 
Hempstead County, Ark.: he was a physician and surgeon, and became the owner 
of a large plantation in Hempstead County. In 1858 he moved to Jackson 
County, and the following year went to Craighead County, where he engaged in 
farming and the practice of his profession until his death, which occurred in 
1864: he served in the Mexican War, and took quite an active part in politics 
as a Jeffersonian Democrat. The mother of our subject died in 1855. Dr. R. P. 
Watson was reared to the pursuit of farming; he attended the common schools 
of his native county, and after his father's death educated himself, 
attending the seminary at Jonesboro until 1870, when he entered the old 
University Medical College at Louisville, graduating from the latter 
institution in 1872. The same year he commenced the practice of medicine at 
Jonesboro, remaining, however, but a short time. He also acted as medical 
examiner for a New York life insurance company. November 7, 1872. Dr. Watson 
married Martha Florence Dodd, of Jackson County, a daughter of Atlas and 
Margery (Stegall) Dodd, the former a native of Mississippi, and the latter of 
Memphis, Tenn. Mr. and Mrs. Dodd came to Jackson County at an early day, and 
settled in Village Township, where Dr. Watson now resides; they now live in 
Izard County Ark. After his marriage. Dr. Watson removed to Jackson County, 
and engaged in farming in connection with his practice. In 1881 he removed to 
La Crosse, Izard County, where be devoted the greater part of his attention 
to his profession; in 1884 the cyclone destroyed his residence, and the 
following year he moved to his present residence. Dr. Watson owns 2,354 acres 
of land in one tract, of which 350 acres are under cultivation, and near by 
has another farm of 1000 acres, with 350 acres more improved. He has erected 
a good cotton-gin and grist and saw mill, and has been one of the leading 
stockmen of the county. He is a member of the White River Stock Breeders 
Association, and owns a great many fine full-blooded horses and cattle and 
hogs, in which he takes a great deal of pride. Politically he is in sympathy 
with the Democratic party, and has twice been a delegate to the State 
Convention. He is a member of Philadelphia Lodge No. 127, A. F. & A. M., of 
Izard County, and also belongs to the I. O. O. F. at Newport. Six children 
have been born to Mr. and Mrs, Watson. viz.: Margery Ella, Belle Willie Dodd, 
who died in 1881, aged eighteen months: Gracie, Baxter B. and Robert S. Mrs. 
Watson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and also of the Eastern 
Star Chapter, of Newberg. The Doctor is one [p.911] of the live and 
enterprising men of Jackson County, where he is well known for his public 
spirit and active interest in every public enterprise. 

Robert West, farmer and stock raiser, is a native of Tennessee, the son of 
Robert C. and Sarah (Willard) West, of North Carolina and South Carolina, 
respectively. They had a family of eleven children, of whom only two, the 
subject of our sketch and Dr. Crawford West, of Tuckerman, born May 18, 1855, 
are now living. Robert West came from South Carolina with his parents, to 
Arkansas, in the year 1866, heating in Jackson County upon a farm rented of 
W. R. Jones; they lived there one year, then rented a farm of a nonresident, 
where they lived one year; they again rented of Mr. W. R. Jones, and the 
following year bought a farm in Union Township, where the father died at the 
age of lifty-two. In 1875 he bought land in Union Township. Section 36, and 
after remaining there one year, bought the farm upon which he now lives. This 
farm was partly improved. At the present time Mr. West owns 450 acres of 
cotton and earn land, 205 acres of which are cultivated: in addition to this 
he is cultivating 800 acres of rented land. Mr. West is a man of unusual 
energy and determination, such a one as is needed to build up a country like 
this. In 1874, October 24th. Robert married Miss Josephine E. Miller; they 
have had a family of five children, three of whom are now living: Sarah Emma 
(born November 11, 1878). Cromwell H. (born February 18, 1886). and Thurman 
(born December 13, 1888). Mrs. West's parents were George W. and Emma (H.) 
Miller, who were among the early settlers of Arkansas. 

Wiley J. Westmoreland farmer and stock raiser, is a son of William and Annie 
(Bridges) Westmoreland, natives of Georgia, William's father being a native 
of Westmoreland County. Va. Wiley J. was born March 16, 1833, in Georgia, 
being the eldest of a family of twelve, four of whom are still living in 
Arkansas. Our subject was raised on a farm, and never engaged in any other 
business than farming. He came to Arkansas with his parents in 1857, and made 
his first purchase of land, a forty acre tract, in 1859, in White County. 
About twenty acres were cultivated; he put in one crop, and in the fall of 
that year sold it, after which he rented land, which he worked till 1862, 
when he enlisted in the Thirty-fourth Arkansas Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 
participating in the Prairie Grove battle in 1862, the battle of Helena in 
1863, and also the battles of Pleasant Hill and Jenkins' Ferry, and served 
faithfully till May 5, 1865, when he returned home, having been under Gen. 
Kirby's command, Pierce's division. On his return, he rented a farm in Barren 
Township, where he lived till 1868, when he bought the farm upon which he now 
lives. At the present time, he has forty acres under cultivation, and raises 
good grades of horses, cattle and hogs. In 1885 Mr. Westmoreland married Mrs. 
Sarah (Gray) Swick, who has one child, Susan Naomi Swick. They have had no 
children. Mr. Westmoreland has served his township as school director for 
five years, and in May last was elected for a term of three years. In 
politics, he is a Democrat, and with his wife, belongs to the Missionary 
Baptist Church of Denmark, a small village of Barren Township. 

page 912
J. M. Westmoreland, farmer and stock raiser, Bradford, Ark. Originally from 
Coweta County, Ga., Mr. Westmoreland's birth occurred in 1853, and he is the 
youngest in a family of eleven children born to the union of Dr. William and 
Anna (Bridges) Westmoreland, both natives of the same State as their son. Dr. 
William Westmoreland attained his growth, and was married in his native 
State, removing from there to Arkansas in 1859. He settled in White County, 
Liberty Township, and there rented land, but at the same time followed his 
profession, becoming prominently known all over the county in the latter 
capacity. He then moved to Jackson County, Barren Township, where he 
purchased an unimproved farm, and became well known all over the county, not 
only as a successful and eminent physician, but as a social, pleasant 
gentleman. He was a Democrat in politics, and socially a Mason. His death 
occurred on the 2d of June, 1877, and his wife previous to this. on the 21st 
of February, 1874. J. M. Westmoreland. like the average country boy, assisted 
on [p.912] the farm and received his education in the district schools of 
Barren Township. He was married in that township, in 1883, to Miss Nettie 
Lovell, a native of Missouri, and afterward settled on his present property, 
where he has 125 acres of land, with thirty-five acres under cultivation. He 
has erected good houses and out-buildings. He is at present quite deeply 
interested in the raising of stock. He votes with the Democratic party, but 
is not active in politics. Mr. and Mrs. Westmoreland are members of the 
Baptist Church. Their marriage was blessed by the birth of two children: 
Willie and Alta. Mr. Westmoreland has always taken an active interest in all 
matters relating to the community's welfare, and is a first-class citizen. 

John N. Williamson, of Arkansas, planter and stock raiser, was born in 
Marshall County. Tenn., in 1822. His father was John Williamson, of Virginia, 
who married Mary Hunter, of South Carolina, and was a farmer and one of the 
early settlers of Tennessee, where he died, in Marshall County, in 1832, his 
widow surviving till 1852. John N., the sixth in a family of eight children, 
was raised on the farm and received his education in the subscription schools 
of Tennessee. He followed the life of a farmer, and in 1850 moved to Greene 
County, Mo., where he remained for five years, then going to Cedar County, of 
the same State, and in the fall of 1860 removed to Sharp County, Ark., 
engaging in farming part of the time during the war, in Missouri. In 1866 he 
came to Jackson County, Ark., located at Elgin, renting land, and in 1870 
bought a timber tract of 160 acres, on which there were no improvements, and 
no settlement between there and Elgin. For 120 acres of this land he paid $16 
an acre, and for forty acres. $10. He at once cleared off a place for  a 
cabin, and commenced clearing and improving the land, until now he has eighty 
acres under cultivation, on which is a good orchard. He raises a good grade 
of stock. In 1847 Mr. Williamson married Willmarth Roberts, a native of 
Marshall County. Tenn., born in 1829, the daughter of Jeremiah and Rebecca 
(Jones) Roberts, of Virginia and North Carolina. who were among the early 
settlers of Tennessee. They have been dead some years. To Mr. and Mrs. 
Williamson have been born twelve children, eight of whom are living: Narcissa 
(died at the age of nine), James M. (died at the age of twenty), Thomas N. 
(of Jefferson Township), Mary E. (died at the age of sixteen). Christopher C. 
(of Bird Township), John F. (of Western Arkansas), Andrew Jackson (died at 
the age of twenty), William S., Sarah Frances (resides in the West), 
Virginias F., Josephine J. (at home). and Monroe Pinckney (at home). Mrs. 
Williamson is a Baptist in belief. Mr. Williamson is a Democrat, but not an 
office seeker, and always takes an active interest in public enterprises for 
the advancement of the county. Our subject is practically a self-made man, 
and one of the leading citizens of the county. 

page 913
F. L. Williamson, farmer, of Bird Township, was born in Limestone County, 
Ala, in 1828, the only child of F. L. and Sarah (Lookenbill) Williamson, the 
father a native of England, who came to this country at an early day, married 
in Virginia, and finally settled in Tennessee, where he died in 1828. Our 
subject's mother went to Alabama before the country was sectionized, settling 
in what is now Limestone County, Ala., and later moved to Tennessee, where 
her death occurred. Her father was among the first pioneers of Pennsylvania. 
and served through the Revolutionary War. He had two sons in the War of 1812. 
The subject of this sketch was reared to frontier life, and went four miles 
on foot to the subscription schools for what education he received. He aided 
in clearing and developing the home farm, and commenced farming for himself 
in Wayne County, Tenn. In January. 1862, he enlisted for twelve months in 
Capt. Powers' company, under Col. Crewes, went to Nashville, thence to 
Alabama, and was assigned to the Fifth Kentucky Infantry, under Col. Hunt, 
Gen. Breckinridge's brigade. He was in the battle of Shiloh, then on the 
skirmish line to Corinth; from there to Tupelo. Miss., then to Abbeville, 
Miss. He was in the company that re-organized, and was in service till the 
close of the war; he was in the battle at Jackson; thirty-two days at 
Vicksburg; then went to Baton Rouge, returning to Jackson, Miss., where he 
was on garrison duty; from there to Grand Junction, then to Jackson, [p.913] 
Merita, Ala., Mobile and thence to Florida, from there to Montgomery; to 
Atlanta and to Chattanooga; to Knoxville, to Virginia, and back to Knoxville; 
to Chattanooga and Murfreesboro; engaged at Nashville, then on skirmish line 
to Murfreesboro; he was then transferred to Newman's command, Tennessee 
Regiment, and finally returned to Tennessee in 1864, and engaged in farming. 
In 1867 he came to Arkansas, settling in Independence County, and in 1869 
came to Jackson County, in Village Township, and in 1872 to Bird Township, 
renting land, and in 1886, bought 160 acres in that township. Mr. Williamson 
has taken quite an active part in politics, voting with the Democratic party. 
He has seen a vast change in this county, and has always taken an active 
interest in all worthy public enterprises. Mr. Williamson was first married 
in Wayne County, Tenn., in April, 1848, to Vianer Tally, daughter of Page and 
Nancy Tally, natives of South Carolina and Alabama, respectively, who came to 
Tennessee in an early day. Her father died in 1864, his wife later. By that 
marriage there were seven children: Levi, Mary Ann (now Mrs. Blake). Calvin. 
Elizabeth (now Mrs. Beech), William Marion, Caledonia (now Mrs. Stephens) and 
John, our subject. Mrs. Williamson died in 1886. and in 1887 Mr. Williamson 
married Josey Andrews, widow, daughter of John Petty, an early pioneer of 
Tennessee.

C. W. Winfree, farmer and merchant. Centreville, Ark. This gentleman, who was 
originally from West Tennessee, where his birth occurred in 1850, is the 
second in a family of six children born to Charles W. and Susan H. (Terry) 
Winfree, both natives of the Old Dominion. Charles W. Winfree emigrated to 
Tennessee at an early day, and was a mechanic (carriage workman) by trade. He 
moved to Jackson County, Ark., in 1870, settling in Bird Township, and there 
followed tilling the soil until his death, which occurred in 1873. His 
cheerful companion also closed her eyes to the scenes of this world in 1883. 
C. W. Winfree was early initiated into the duties of farm life and quite 
naturally, as might be supposed, has since principally followed that pursuit. 
He received his education in the schools of Tennessee. and came with his 
parents to Jackson County, Ark., in 1870, where he resumed the duties on the 
farm. This occupation he has since continued, and has opened up considerable 
land, being now the owner of 1,700 acres in Bird Township, with 600  acres 
under cultivation. He has about 450 acres in cotton, and this is his 
principal pursuit. He also raises considerable stock, principally horses and 
mules, and in fact is one of the wide-awake, thorough-going farmers of the 
county. He is active in politics, and votes with the Democratic party. He has 
filled the offices of judge, clerk and supervisor, several times, and to the 
satisfaction of all, and he also takes an active interest in school matters. 
Mr. Winfree was married, in Independence County, Ark., in 1887, to Mrs. 
Fannie E. (Holdford) Gray, widow of Dr. Gray, and afterward settled in 
Centreville, where he has been engaged in merchandising since 1884, but also 
carries on his farming interest. Socially, he is a member of Tuckerman Lodge 
No. 192, Masonic fraternity, and has been secretary of the same. To his 
marriage was born one child. 

page 914
W. H. Wise is a farmer and merchant, being a partner in the firm of Kimbrough 
& Wise, of Weldon, Ark. His parents were William H. and Mary E. (Brown) Wise, 
natives of Maryland and Alabama, respectively, who moved to Mississippi at an 
early day, where the subject of this sketch was born, in De Soto County, 
April 1, 1849. His father, a farmer and mechanic, was a relative of Gov. 
Wise, of Virginia. He settled a large farm in Mississippi, also the town of 
Hernando, and became a large land owner. He was a Democrat, and held the 
office of magistrate a great many years. W. H. Wise was raised on a farm, 
where his opportunities for education were limited, having attended only the 
common schools of Mississippi. At the age of twenty, in 1870, he came to 
Arkansas, engaged in farming, and in 1873 bought eighty acres of land in the 
woods, on the present site of Weldon. He cleared fifty acres of this land and 
continued farming till 1885, when the Batesville & Brinkley Railroad reached 
Tupelo. At that time he sold forty acres of his land to D. A. Kimbrough for a 
half interest in the latter's store, and the same year the firm of Kimbrough 
& Wise began [p.914] business in Weldon, where they have since continued. 
They carry a general stock of goods and do a large business. Mr. Wise and his 
partner own a large part of Weldon properly, twenty-two lots and two blocks 
having been sold. In 1873 he married Miss Maggie Godby, of Mississippi. They 
had five children: Ida, Willie. Estelina. Maggie Jefferson, Edward Hubbard, 
aged fifteen, thirteen, eleven, nine and six years. respectively. His wife 
died December 27, 1883, and in October, 1885, he married Miss Fannie Moore, 
daughter of S. J. and Sarah Moore, of North Carolina and Alabama, who came to 
Arkansas in 1870, where he has since engaged in farming. They live at Bowen's 
Ridge. Mr. Wise is a Democrat, though not an active politician. He and his 
wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. South, of which he is 
steward and trustee. He is active in the interest of schools and churches in 
his community. and has done his share in the development of the country. 

Robert A. Wise is a brother of W. H. Wise, and both are residents of Weldon, 
Ark. Robert A. Wise was born in Hernando. De Soto County. Miss., May 24, 
1844. He is now postmaster at Weldon and engaged in the drug and grocery 
business. He was the second child of W. H. and Mary E. (Brown) Wise, the 
former having been born and reared near Baltimore, Md., and the latter at 
Florence, Ala. W. H. Wise, a mechanic by occupation, came to Memphis, Tenn., 
in 1838. and went to work at his trade, but his health becoming bad he moved 
to Hernando. Miss., in 1839, and met Miss Brown, whom he married in 1840. He 
was elected magistrate and sheriff of De Soto County for a number of years, 
and he invested his income in real estate in the town of Hernando. Finally 
his health became so bad that he gave up his office and sold his property in 
town, and invested in a large tract of land four and one-half miles east of 
Hernando, turning his attention to farming and stock raising, and at his 
death, which occurred in 1856, his estate, consisting of land, stock and 
negroes, was valued at $100,000. He and his wife were strict members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. South. Robert A. was raised on the farm, 
receiving his education in the common schools of North Mississippi. and at 
the age of seventeen he left school and enlisted as a volunteer in Company K. 
Ninth Mississippi Regiment, Monroe, Capt. Thomas While. Chalmer's brigade, in 
the Army of Tennessee. He was at the battle of Shiloh and was sent home on 
furlough sick from Corinth. Returning to the army at Tupelo he was taken down 
with typhoid fever, which settled in his right leg, disabling him from duty. 
He received an unlimited furlough to go home, and remained until further 
orders. Some ninety days later he recovered, and was ordered to join the army 
at Knoxville. Tenn., as it came out of Kentucky on its way to Murfreesboro. 
He was in that battle and all the skirmishes and fights engaged in by his 
command through Tennessee. taking part in the battle of Chickamanga, and 
receiving a wound in the breast on the second day of the fight. This, 
however, did not disable him from duty, and subsequently he was in the 
engagements at Missionary Ridge, Tunnel Hill, at Dalton, Ga., and at Resaca: 
he was wounded in the thigh at Altoona Mountain. Following this he was 
occupied with his command in fights around Atlanta and at Jonesboro, but 
becoming ill again he was sent home, where he remained until the close of the 
war. Afterward he engaged in farming on a small scale. His father's and 
mother's estate was all destroyed during the war and taken away except the 
land. Robert A. received his portion of the land, which he sold and went to 
Lonisiana to raise cotton on a large scale on Red River. He invested every 
dollar he had in a cotton crop, but the first year the worms destroyed half 
of it and the next year the overflow destroyed all. He then came to Jackson 
County. Ark., and engaged in farming, starting on borrowed capital, and by 
hard labor and economy he managed to pay for a farm near Newport, which he 
sold in 1887, and came to Weldon, embarking in his present business. He is a 
bachelor and a member of the Methodist Church, South, and was an active 
member in the district school board in which he lived before coming to 
Weldon. He was also a member of the Farmer's Alliance or Wheelers. He has 
always been liberal, and has done his share toward building churches, schools 
and all public enterprises. He is now a cripple, being paralyzed in the right 
hip and leg, but is making a good support by his own exertion. Himself and 
his brother are the only surviving members of a family of nine children. 

page 915
N. B. Wishon is a prosperous real estate dealer and collecting agent at 
Newport, Ark., and was born in Phelps County, Mo., on the 12th of September, 
1848, and is a son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Singleton) Wishon, the former a 
native of North Carolina, and the latter of Kentucky. Their marriage took 
place in the latter State, and they afterward moved to St. Louis, Mo., when 
the city contained less than 10,000 inhabitants (in 1829). Here Mr. Wishon 
remained for about ten years, being an employ‚ of the Wiggins Ferry Company, 
and acted in the capacity of engineer. In 1839 he located near Rolla, Mo., 
and opened a very fine farm of about 1,500 acres, and here he and his wife 
resided until their deaths. N. B. Wishon remained on this farm until nineteen 
years of age, and in 1867 came to Arkansas and began clerking in a store in 
Jacksonport, continuing an employe of Holloway & Co., at a very low salary, 
until 1871. He then formed a partnership with his brothers, Frank and W. C., 
and the firm became known as Wishon Bros., they conducting a general 
merchandising establishment in Jacksonport. In 1873 they opened up a branch 
store at Newport, which was the first business house in the place, and was a 
frame structure, and this together with two cheap box houses were located in 
the woods. They continued at this point until 1883, then selling out to E. L. 
Watson & Son. Mr. Wishon then set to work to build up the town and put up a 
substantial brick block and several residence buildings, but for the past few 
years he has given his attention almost entirely to the real estate and 
collection business. The brothers at one time owned a fifth interest in the 
original town site. They own eight brick business houses, and considerable 
improved residence property, and unimproved town lots and several fine farms 
in a high state of cultivation, together with several hundred acres of fine 
timbered and wild lands in the county. He has held several local offices, and 
he and wife, whom he married in 1871, and whose maiden name was Amelia 
Wallace, are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and are the 
parents of two children: Lena and Earl H. 

W. C. Wishon, agent of the Batesville & Brinkley Railroad, and a popular 
resident of Newport, was born in Phelps County, Mo., in February, 1851, and 
is a son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Singleton) Wishon. He was reared and 
remained in Phelps County until attaining his twenty-second year, and up to 
nineteen years of age lived on the home farm, and attended the schools of his 
native place. At nineteen years of age he was offered and accepted a position 
in one of the business houses at Rolla, Mo., where he remained for two years, 
winning the confidence and esteem of his employers by performing his duties 
in a satisfactory manner. In 1871 he moved to Jacksonport, Ark., and entered 
into commercial life with his brother, N. B. Wishon, continuing at that city 
until 1873, when they both removed to Newport, where they were among the 
first and most enterprising business men of that town, and helped to build 
considerable of the property. In 1880 W. C. was engaged by the Southern 
Express Company as express agent, and the business of the brothers was sold 
in February, 1882. He remained with that company until 1886, when the 
Batesville & Brinkley Railroad opened up its line, and he was engaged as 
their agent at Newport. where he has been ever since, building up a 
reputation for being one of the best agents on the line. In 1877 he was 
married to Miss Rina Wallace, a pleasant and attractive lady, who has made 
his home one of the brightest in Newport. Mr. Wishon is a member of the 
Masonic fraternity and the Royal Arcanum. He is a prominent man in social and 
business circles at Jacksonport as well as Newport, of which latter city he 
is the pioneer. 

page 916
A. Wiysel, lumber manufacturer. Mr. Wiysel was born and reared among the 
industries of a great manufacturing place, his birth occurring in Cambria 
County, Penn., on the 24th of August, 1824. He is a son of Joseph and Susanna 
(Weisinger) Wiysel, of the same county and State, but the great-grandfather 
was a native of Germany, who emigrated to this country at an early period 
[p.916] and settled in Pennsylvania. afterward fighting in the War of the 
Revolution. The parents of A. Wiysel emigrated to Wabush County. Ind., some 
years after their marriage, where the father died during the Civil War. while 
the mother still stirvives him and is living in Indiana. They were the 
parents of six children, of whom four are yet living, A. Wiysel being the 
oldest. He was reared and spent his younger days in Pennsylvania, where he 
also received the greater part of his education, and afterwards moved to 
Wabash County. Ind. From there he went to Adair County. Mo., and remained 
until 1859, when he came to Jacksonport and was employed in teaming. During 
the war he was detailed as engineer of a large flouring mill on the White 
River. and after that event he embarked in saw-milling and lumber 
manufacturing, a business that he has fostered and built up to be one of the 
most successful in that section. He has various markets for his products, 
employs a large number of men, and turns out some of the best material to be 
found anywhere. and has the honor of being one of the pioneer mill men of 
Jackson County. Mr. Wiysel was married in 1848 to Miss Susanna Stemman. by 
whom he has had five children, two of them yet living; Samuel and Charles. He 
is a member of the Lutheran Church, and one of the representative citizens of 
his county, taking an active interest in its promotion and welfare.