Washington Co., AR - Biographies - Arkansas Wilson

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Arkansas Wilson, farmer, was born in Hardin County, Ky., November 1, 
1830, and is a son of William and Margaret (Starns) Wilson, both of 
whom were born in Hawkins County, Tenn. They were married about 1827, 
and about two years later moved to Hardin County, Ky., and in December 
of the following year came to Washington County, Ark. The father was a 
farmer throughout life, and became a large land-holder, owning at one 
time 1,160 acres of land. He departed this life June 11, 1876, 
followed by his wife September 15, 1880. They were the parents of 
three sons; Eldridge H., Arkansas and John T. Arkansas Wilson's 
boyhood days were spent in following the plow and in attending the 
common schools. After attaining a suitable age he entered the Arkansas 
College at Fayetteville, and is one of a class of six who graduated 
from that institution. After leaving college he taught school in 
Madison County for two years, and two years more was instructor in the 
Huntsville Institute, and the following two years was engaged in 
teaching the young idea at Springhill, Ark. In 1861 he joined the 
Confederate army, and served as forage [p.1044] master under Gen. 
McCulloch till the battle of Wilson's Creek, participating in the 
battles of Oak Hill, Wilson's Creek. Prairie Grove, Jenkin's Ferry and 
others. He was wounded and captured at Prairie Grove, but after being 
kept a prisoner for one week was removed to the hospital. After 
recovering from his wound be rejoined his company as third lieutenant, 
and after the battle of Prairie Grove was made captain of the company, 
and remained so until the end of the war. After the cessation of 
hostilities he went to Texas, where he dealt in horses for some time, 
and in March, 1866, returned to Washington County, Ark., where he 
cared for his parents until their respective deaths. April 5, 1883, he 
was married to Alice Simes, who was born in Monroe County, Ind., April 
5, 1858, and by her is the father of one child. Robert Simes, born 
February 14, 1886. Mrs. Wilson is a daughter of Robert Simes, who died 
in Monroe County, Ind. Her mother resides in Washington County, Ark. 
Mr. Wilson owns 280 acres of fine land, the home farm consisting of 
120 acres. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., and is one of the 
highly cultured gentlemen and well-to do farmers of Northwestern 
Arkansas.