Biography of J.M. Dyer, Saline Co, AR

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        Date: 25 May 2002
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SOURCE: Goodspeed's History of Saline County

J.M. Dyer, merchant and postmaster at Owensville, Saline County, Ark., was born
in Dyer Township, in the year 1849.  His parents, Given and Martha (Brazel)
Dyer, natives, respectively, of Kentucky and Missouri, reared a family of ten
children, J.M. Dyer being the fifth.  They came to Saline County, Ark., in
1835, settling in what was now Dyer Township, and making this county his home,
the father followed farming,, opening up some 126 acres before his death, which
occurred in 1861, his wife following him in 1862.  The elder Mr. Dyer had taken
quite and active part in politics, being a strong Democrat.  His son, J.M., who
was reared on the farm and educated in the township schools, commenced his
career alone at the age of twenty years as a farmer on rented land.  In 1875 he
bought a partly improved farm of 150 acres.  He at once began to improve it and
add to his possessions, until today he owns a splendid farm of 250 acres, with
110 under cultivation.  He was married in Saline County, in 1869, to Melissa
Robison, a native of Scott County, Ark., and a daughter of D.J. and Lucinda
(James ) Robison, of Missouri.  Mr. and Mrs. Robison came to Arkansas at an
early day, the father dying in October, 1881, but the mother is still living in
this township.  By the union there were 5 children, all living: William Milas,
Daniel Obey, Admire Lucinda, Rosa and Jeddy Walter. Mr. Dyer is not very active
in politics, though he votes the Democratic ticket.  He has been justice of the
peace in his township for two terms.  As a member of Whittington Lodge No. 365,
A.F.& A.M., he has passed the chairs and served two terms as S.D.  Both Mr. and
Mrs. Dyer are members of the Missionary Baptist Church in this township.  Every
enterprise that tends to advance the interest of his township and county, finds
in Mr. Dyer a firm friend and stanch supporter.  He is especially interested in
schools, and has held the position of postmaster at Owensville for five years,
being a faithful and obedient servant of the public.