Biography of Joseph Neal Stayton, St Francis County, AR

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Submitted by: Paul V Isbell
        Date: 19 Nov 2008
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Joseph Neal Stayton was among the early pioneers of St. Francis County,
contributing much to its growth and development. The son of Joseph Kelsie and
Ann Herring Stayton, he was born Sept. 13, 1873 at Blackton, Monroe County,
Arkansas. At an early age, following the death of his parents, he went ot Searcy
to live with his uncle, Dr. Dave Stayton, and his family. It was here that he
received his education. After studying medicine for three years at Searcy
College, he was discouraged by his uncle because of the hardships of physicians
of that day. he then began study of surveying. He later moved to Palestine with
his uncle, who practiced medicine there. He lived there for many years, and in
1912 was elected County Surveyor. In 1929, he moved to Forrest City, and for a
time served as night Chief of Police and worked with the Soil Conservation
Service. After thirty seven years a surveyor for the county in 1949, at which
time he moved to Little Rock to be near his children. It has been said that,
"Uncle Joe", as he was called by his many friends has covered more miles on foot
than any other man in St. Francis County.


SOURCE:
HISTORY of ST. FRANCIS COUNTY, ARKANSAS, 1954 - Robert W. Chowning

Copyright, with Permission: Weston McCollum Lewey, Publisher
-Times Herald Publishing-Forrest City, Arkansas