Biography of John A Bunch, Newton Co, AR

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Submitted by: John Levi Kent
Email address: <jkent @ oztech . com>
February 2000
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From Goodspead Brothers, Publishers - 1894.

John A. BUNCH.

This gentleman is the receiver of public moneys in the Government Land
Office at Harrison, Ark., and is a native of this State, born in Newton
County, September 15, 1860, a son of Capt. Larkin and Eliza (Maxwell)
Bunch, the former of whom was born in Overton County, Tenn., a son of
Nathaniel Bunch, who came to Arkansas in 1840, and made a home for
himself and family in the northwest corner of Newton County, being one
of the first to settle in that region. He also was a native of
Tennessee, and was a soldier in the War of 1812 under Jackson, and after
his death his wife received a pension for the services he rendered the
Government. He was a farmer and died in 1858. Larkin Bunch was a young
man when he came to Arkansas with his parents, the journey thither being
made by wagon. He followed in his father's footsteps, and became a
farmer and stockman, and when the Civil War came up he left home and
joined the command of Gen. Price, with whom he took part in the Missouri
raid. He assisted in organizing one of the first companies in Newton
County, of which he was elected captain, and died while serving the
Southern cause, at Pilot Knob. He was a member of the Free-Will Baptist
Church. His wife was a native of Illinois, and a daughter of John and
Clarissa Maxwell. She died April 12, 1892, on the old home farm in
Newton County, which is still owned by the family. John A. Bunch was one
of five children: S. B., who is living on the old home farm in Newton
County; J. W., who is a farmer and merchant of Madison County, has
represented his county in the State Legislature; Clarissa E. is the wife
of J. P. Stamps; John A., and William L., a merchant of Kingston, Ark,
John A. Bunch was reared on the old home farm in Newton County, attended
the common schools, and at the age of eighteen years entered Clarke
Academy at Berryville, where he finished his education in 1880. He then
engaged in merchandising at Kingston, and remained associated in
business with his brother for about eight years. In October 1888, he was
elected county and circuit clerk of Madison County, and held the office
two terms, the last two years being only circuit clerk. In 1892 he again
entered business in Kingston with his brother, and after following that
occupation for six months was appointed receiver in the land office at
Harrison by President Cleveland, and has since held the position. He has
always been a Democrat, has attended State conventions, was a delegate
to the Congressional Convention at Eureka Springs in 1892, and has been
prominent in the political affairs of his section. He is a member of the
A. F. & A. M., the I. 0. F. at Harrison, has always been interested in
the schools of his section, and is a public-spirited man. He was married
to Miss Ala F. Ogden, a daughter of W. R. Ogden, and their union has
resulted in the birth of six children: Jahel B., Irno, Vera, Sada, Avo,
and an infant. The mother of these children is a member of the Free-Will
Baptist Church. Mr. Bunch has made his home in Harrison since October
1893, and is one of its most public-spirited citizens.