Biography of T. J. 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 T. J. McIlroy, farmer, Dalton, Ark. Mr. McIlroy is a practical farmer- one who believes that it is beneficial to have all his farming operations conducted in a manner so thorough as to not slight one department of labor in order to bestow more work on some other portion. This idea is carried out very completely. He is a native of the State of Arkansas, where he was born in 1840, and is the son of Hammet and Elizabeth (Davis) McIlroy, natives of Arkansas and Missouri, respectively. The father was one of the very earliest white children born in this section [see sketch of Andrew McIlroy for history of grandparents], and was early reared to farm labor. He also learned the hatter's trade, and worked in the shop until grown. He made some hats after being married, and let his sons manage the farm. His marriage occurred in [p.412] 1833 with Miss Davis, and their union was blessed by the birth of ten children, seven of whom lived to be grown: William, living in Texas; T. J. (subject), Martha (deceased wife of Newton Robinett); Maria L. (deceased wife of Columbus Fry); Elizabeth J., wife of William Baker; A. Y., living in Hood County, Tex., and Clorah, wife of W. C. Bird. Hammet McIlroy received but a limited education, though, after all, one superior to most boys in those days, for he was fond of study and was a good pupil. In 1850 he was elected to represent his county in the legislature, and two years later was re-elected, thus serving two terms. He never held any other office. He was opposed to the secession of the States, though he is a strong Democrat, and never served in any of the wars. At present he is residing on the farm that he purchased fifty-seven years ago. He is a member of the Baptist Church. His wife, who died in 1871, at the age of about fifty-six years, was also a member of the same church. When it became necessary for the subject of this sketch to start out in life for himself, he very naturally and wisely chose the occupation to which he had been reared, and from that time until the present his success has been such as only a thorough acquaintance with his calling and years of experience could lead him to achieve. He began tilling the soil on land purchased from his father, and when in his twenty- first year (1861) he was united in marriage with Miss Mary White, of Randolph County. To them were born seven children: W. T., a merchant at Dalton, Ark.; Nora E., wife of James Dalton; Robert L., James I. I. and Henry M. (twins), Sarah A. and Mary F. Mrs. McIlroy is the daughter of Howell and Elizabeth (Stubblefield) White, natives of this county. They were the parents of four children, three of whom lived to be grown: Henry. Mary, and Frances M. (deceased). Mr. McIlroy joined the Confederate army in 1861, and served eighteen months in Gen. Price's command. He was not in any battles that amounted to anything, but was in a number of skirmishes, and although serving only the above mentioned time, he was still enrolled at the close of the war. He surrendered at Jacksonport, Ark., June 5, 1865. He then came home, engaged in farming and stock raising, and has continued the same ever since. At that time he was the owner of 130 acres, thirty being under cultivation. He is now the owner of about 500 acres, with 220 improved. He also owns considerable personal property, and makes a specialty of raising mules. Instead of cotton he raises corn, wheat and clover, and has one of the best improved farms in the county, with good barns, out buildings, etc. Mr. McIlroy is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He takes a great interest in school affairs, and is a liberal supporter of all laudable enterprises.