Biography of D. W. McIlroy, Randolph Co, AR *********************************************************** Submitted by: Bridgette Cohen Date: 1998 Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm *********************************************************** SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northeast Arkansas Copyrighted and Published 1889 by Goodspeed Publishing Company D. W. McIlroy. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch is a member of the general mercantile firm of McIlroy & Hatley, located at Peru, about twelve miles northeast of Pocahontas, between the Current and Black Rivers. They have been established at that place since 1886, and being men of enterprise and excellent business qualifications, they are doing a prosperous business. D. W. McIlroy is a native-born resident of Randolph County, Ark., his birth occurring in 1853, and he is a son of Andrew and Sarah Ann (Davies) McIlroy, who came from their native State, Virginia, to Arkansas in 1836, and settled in Randolph County, where they are still living. Doubtless no man in this county is more universally respected, for to know him is to have a high admiration for him, as he is possessed of those sterling characteristics which go to make up a valuable citizen. D. W. McIlroy received his early education in the public and private schools of Randolph County, and from his earliest recollections he has been familiar with farm work, for as soon as he was old enough he was put to the plow. After his marriage, which occurred in 1875, he removed to the farm of 204 acres in Current River Township, which was given him by his father, and on this he is still making his home. He has increased his acreage to 324 acres, and has his farm in good condition, as he has ever been ready to adopt all methods which may tend to benefit this property. In connection with his store and farm he is engaged in operating a saw and grist-mill, also a cotton-gin: and in these various enterprises he is meeting with well deserved success. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., has been postmaster of Peru six years, and held the same position at Lima. His wife was a Miss Martha Gross, a native of Muhlenburgh County, Ky., and by her he has a family of three children: Gertrude, Cora and Frank.