Biography of L d Rozzell, Mississippi Co, AR ********************************************************************* USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free Information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. Submitted by: Michael Brown Date: Sep 1998 ********************************************************************* Bibliography: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas. Chicago: Goodspeed Publishers, 1890. Hon. L. D. Rozell. Every life has a history of its own, and although in appearance it may seem to possess little to distinguish it from others, yet the political career and experience of Mr. Rozell, as well as his connection with the agricultural and stock raising affairs of this community, have contributed to give him a wide and popular acquaintance with nearly every citizon of Mississippi County, if not personally, then by name. He was born in Davidson County, Tenn., in 1836, and was the second in a family of seven children born to Rev. A. B. and Henrietta (Burnett) Rozell. The father was an extensive farmer, and was also a well-known and popular Methodist preacher in Middle Tennessee, where he died in 1886. The mother died in 1845. The paternal grandfather, Solomon Rozell, was a native of North Carolina, and was one of the pioneers of West Tennessee, settling near Memphis, which at that time was composed of less than half a dozen huts. The maternal grandfather was a very early settler in Middle Tennessee, and both families became well known in the localities where they cast their lot. As L. D. Rozell was reared as an agriculturist, it is but natural that he should permanently adopt that calling as his life occupation, and he has always followed it. He attended the common schools when a boy, and at his majority engaged in tilling the soil for himself. In 1862 he enlisted in Company C, First Tennessee Confederate Cavalry, and participated in the battles of Holly Springs, Spring Hill, Chickamauga, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Franklin, Nashville and others. In 1865 Mr. Rozell came to Mississippi County, Ark., and settled on the river about ten miles above Osceola, on a tract of land purchased by his father in 1855. In 1867 Miss Margaret Bowen became his wife. She was born in Mississippi County, and was the daughter of Reese Bowen, who died in 1856, and was one of the earliest settiers in this county. The year previous to his marriage Mr. Rozell purchased a tract of 100 acres of partially improved land, to which he has since added, until he now owns 1,200 acres of excellent bottom soil, with 350 acres under cultivation. He has erected good buildings, fences, etc., and is now enjoying the result of his labor. He has a good grade of stock mixed with Durham, and has a fine bull for breeding purposes. He has taken an active interest, politically, in the affairs of the county, and has held many positions of public trust. He was elected justice of the peace in 1868, and in 1871 represented his county in the Legislature, to the satisfaction of his constituents and the public in general. In 1886 he was elected county judge, was re-elected in 1888, and is holding that position at the present. He is active in school matters, and has served as director for many years. In all things that promise to contribute to the good of this section the Judge may be counted upon to take a leading part. By his marriage to Miss Bowen, he became the father of eight children, [p.551] two of whom are deceased. Those living are Ashley, William, Martha, Bascom, Lockey and Shoemaker. Margaret and Emma died in infancy. The Judge is a member of Lodge No. 27, A. F. & A. M.