Washington Co., AR - Biographies - Harvey F. Head *********************************************** This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: The Goodspeed Publishing Co Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgenwebarchives.org *********************************************** Harvey F. Head, a member of the mercantile firm of Laymon & Head, of Sulphur City, Ark., was born in Murray County, Ga., December 26, 1844, being a son of John C. and Elizabeth (Stanton) Head, who were born in Georgia June 25, 1819, and South Carolina in 1820, respectively. The mother was taken to Georgia when a small girl, where she attained her majority and was married to Mr. Head in 1839. They shortly after removed to Kansas, and in 1858 came to Arkansas, where the father was engaged in tilling the soil until his death, which occurred in 1862, followed by his wife a year later. He and wife were consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. South, and he was a Democrat in polities, although he had formerly been a Whig. His father, John Head, was of English descent, a native of North Carolina, and died in Georgia. The maternal grandfather, John Stanton, was of Scotch lineage, a native of the "Palmetto State," and at an early day immigrated to Tennessee, thence to Georgia, where he died. To Mr. and Mrs. Head were born five children: Sarah J., wife of John D. Woods; Harvey F.; Minerva P., wife of Thomas Cavin; Joseph E., and Anna S., wife of Thomas J. Harp. Harvey F. Head resided with his parents until their respective deaths, when he and an elder sister took care of the younger members of the family until the spring of 1864, when he enlisted in Company D. First Arkansas Cavalry, United States Army, and, served until August, 1865, when he returned to his home and again began caring for his younger brothers and sisters, and during the winter months taught school, and farmed during the summer. In March, 1888. he formed a partnership with Mr. Laymon in the general mercantile business at Sulphur City, which he has since continued with increasing popularity as a business man and citizen. All his transactions are conducted with the most scrupulous honesty, and that this quality is appreciated by the public is shown by the large trade which he is gaining. February 25, 1866. Miss Sarah. daughter of Moses Long, became his wife. She was born in Hawkins County, Tenn., in 1841, and died October 8, 1881, having borne two children, John W. and Mary L., both residing with their father, who was married the second time, May 10, 1885, to Belle Van Zandt, born near Marshfield, Mo., May 25, 1857, and a daughter of Jehu and Sarah Van Zandt. They became the parents of one son, Robert H., who died when five weeks old. Mr. Head is an honored and consistent member of the Baptist Church, and is now officiating as its clerk. He is a member of the G. A. R., I. O. O. F., K. of H., and in his political views is a stanch Republican. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. J. H. Laymon, junior member of the mercantile firm of Laymon & Head, was born in Clark County, Ind., June 4, 1854, and is a son of J. M. and M. B. (Hall) Laymon, born in Ohio and Indiana in 1832 and 1833, respectively. They were married in Jackson [p.954] County, Ind., and resided in that State until 1872, when they moved to Kansas and lived in the following counties of that State, in the order in which they are named: Lyon, Montgomery, Chautauqua and Elk, coming to , Ark., about 1880, where they are now residing. The father has been a farmer throughout life, and in his political views is a stanch Democrat. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church. The Laymons first came from Ireland to America about 1600, and finally located in Ohio. The Halls came originally from England. To Mr. and Mrs. Laymon six children have been born, two of whom are living: J. H. and H. H. J. H. Laymon, when a small boy, began learning the blacksmith's and gunsmith's trades, under Joshua Cotton, and followed these occupations in Sulphur City from 1880 until March, 1888, when the above partnership was formed. In January, 1886, he was commissioned postmaster at Sulphur City, which position he is now holding. In 1882 he joined the Baptist Church, and in 1887 was ordained a minister of that denomination. He is an earnest adherent of the Democratic party, and as a citizen is highly respected and esteemed, being a kind and considerate neighbor and friend. October 18, 1876, he was married to Miss Mary E., a daughter of Joshua Cotton. She was born July 28, 1854, in Pennsylvania. Four children have been born to them: Ida May, Clarence M., Cora B., and Laurance L., who died at the age of nineteen months.