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Thomas Toler is a native of Johnson County, N. C., and was born in November, 1844. He is a son of Thomas and Mary (Holder) Toler, who were the parents of eleven children, of whom our subject was next to the youngest. Both the paternal and maternal ancestors were of Irish descent, and were pioneers of North Carolina. The father of our subject, who was a native of Wayne County, N. C., owned and operated a very large plantation in Johnson County, where he was a well-known and influential man. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and for many years served as magistrate, taking an active part in politics and sympathizing with the Whig party. He died in Johnson County in 1849, his widow surviving until 1865. Thomas Toler, the subject of this sketch, was reared to the pursuit of farming, receiving his education in the district and subseription schools of Johnson County. In 1861 he enlisted in Company E, Twenty-fourth North Carolina Infantry, and was mustered into service at Weldon, N. C., June 24. He took part in the Seven Days' Battle around Richmond, the battle of Antietam, Winchester, and at the siege of Petersburg, doing service with the corps of sharpshooters; he received a wound in the left leg and was first confined in the hospital at Richmond. He was then sent home on wounded furlough, where he was captured by Sherman, taken before Blair, and was imprisoned at Hurt's Island, N. Y., until the close of the war. Returning to Johnson County, N. C., he engaged in farming until 1867, when he went to Obion County, Tenn., and farmed [p.906] two years. In 1869 he removed to Jackson County, Ark, and two years later bought a tract of 160 acres. in Glass Township, six acres of which were cleared. He planted an orchard and made some improvements, after which be sold out and reated land. In 1877 he purchased 240 acres, which were partly improved, and which he still owns, having now under cultivation seventy-five acres. upon which he raises some timothy and clover, but more cotton. Mr. Toler read law at one time and now does some successful practicing in the justice's court. having served as justice of the peace since 1883. Mr. Toler was first married, in Sampson County. N. C., in 1864, to Virginia J. Walton, of Raleigh, N. C., who died in 1879. Of the children born to this union four are living, viz.: Thomas W., a physician and surgeon, of Swifton: Charles A., a traveling salesman; Auna V. and Edward C. In 1880 Mr. Toler married Martha Lollar, of Lewrence County, Ark., whose parents. David and Sarah (Michael) Lollar, were natives of North Carolina, and settled in Lawrence County. Ark., before the war, where the mother still lives, the father being deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Toler have three children; William A., Mary Carolina and Mattie. Mr. Toler is an active politician, voting with the Democrats. He is also a member and elder in the Christian Church, and one of the most prominent and influential farmers of Glass Township.

Rush L. Tucker, farmer and stock raiser, of Grande Glaise Township, was born in Arkansas, October 22, 1843, the son of Stitch and Minerva (Steel) Tueker. Our subject's grandfather came to Arkausas in 1812. when Stitch was one year old. He had three children by his first wife, the father of Rush L. being the third, who died at the age of thirty-eight, his wife dying in 1873. In Stitch Tucker's family there were three children: Sarah E., Chester A. and Rush L. The latter received his education in the private schools of his county. In 1862 he enlisted in the Thirty-fourth Regiment Arkansas Volunteers, and served until October. 1864. Mr. Tucker is the owner of 150 acres of land, which he gained by inheritance. 100 acres from his mother a estate, the remainder from his father's. He has been a large land owner, but has sold it. till he now owns but 160 acres, twenty-five of which are under cultivation. He was married, January 31, 1864. to Miss Mary L. Hall, a native of Tennessee. They had three children, two now living: Stephen H. and Chester A. September 12, 1875, he married Miss Celia Foster, a native of Arkansas. Their three children are Lucy, Robert Lee and Jesse Gray. October 12, 1886. Mr. Tucker married Miss Mary Snider, of Mississippi, who has home one child. Nellie Ann. Mr. Tueker is a memher of Byers Lodge No. 81, A. F. & A. M., of Bradford, White County, Ark. He takes no active part in polities, but is a Demoerat, and is a friend to all religions, social and educational advancement.

page 907
Joseph J. Walker, circuit clerk and ex-officio county clerk and recorder, of Jackson County, was born in Christian County, Ky., on November 12, 1843. His parents were Joseph and Delila A. (Coffman) Walker, of Logan County, Ky., and of Scotch and Dutch descent. The Walker family were among the early settlers of Kentucky, and the grandfatber. in his younger days, was an associate of Daniel Boone. The father was left an orphan when quite small. and was reared on a farm, but upon reaching maturity, he branched out for himself and entered into commercial life, at Chillicothe. Mo., where he remained several years. He nert resided in Greene County, Ill., where he died in 1871, the mother also dying in that county, in 1886. They were the parents of eight children, of whom six are yet living; William E., of Boone County, Ark.; George H., of Quincy, Ill.; Mary, widow of John Fitzsimmons, of Carrollton, Ill.; Joseph J., Phillip, deceased; John R., James V., and Emma. deceased. Joseph was reared in Kentacky until his fifteenth year. when he moved to Missouri with his parents, in which State he remained until the Civil War commenced. After that he went to Quincy. Ill., and from there to Atchison, Kas., then to Nebraska City and finally back to Quiucy, Ill., where he redded until 1866, when he came to Jackson County. Ark, and located at Elgin. He here found employment as bookkeeper with a business house in that town and remained with the tirm three years. He next [p.907] commenced farming and continued at that until the fall of 1875, when he removed to Jacksonport, and again entered into mercantile life, continuing in that branch until 1883. He then entered the sheriff's office as deputy, and continued in that capacity until the fall of 1884, when he was elected to his present office, and twice re-elected. Mr. Walker is one of the pioneers of this section, and a prominent and influential man in the community. He is a member of the Masonic Order and Knights of Honor, as well as the American Legion of Honor. He was married August 3, 1869, to Miss Deborah B. Foushee, by whom he has had five children: Joseph, Owen, Emma, Mattie and Beasie, and with his wife he attends the Methodist Episcopal Church.

James Edward Wallace, a planter and stock raiser of Union Township, Jackson County, was born in Rutherford County, N. C., September 7, 1852, and is a son of Wesley W. and Isabella (Rutherford) Wallace, natives, respectively, of Edinburg, Scotlaud, and Rutherford County, N. C. Wesley W. Wallace emigrated to Mount Pleasant, Miss., about 1852, where he lived until 1862, when he removed to Arkansas, locating on Village Creek, Section 10. Jackson County, on the farm now owned by J. W. Parish; upon this farm Mr. Wallace lived until his death, in 1865, and was buried in the family cemetery, which was on the farm. He was the father of twelve children, eight of whom grew to maturity, viz.: Sarah (who died at the age of twenty years), William (who served in the Coufederate Army, Seventh Arkansas Regiment, under command of Col. Cleburne, and at the battle of Franklin, Tenn., lost his right arm, died in 1871, and was buried in the family cemetery), Carrie (who married Dr. Chunn, and now resides at Searcy, White County, Ark.). James E., Amelia (wife of N. B. Wishon. of Newport, Ark.), Mary (who married I. D. Price, postmaster of Newport), Rina (wife of W. C. Wishon, agent for the Adams Express Company at Newport), Katie (wife of a physician at St. Louis, Mo.), John W., and Dr. R. W. (who married a Miss Brooks, of Florida, and now resides in Texas engaged in farming and stock raising). James E. Wallace was but thirteen years of age at the time of his father's death, and being one of the elder boys a great deal of responsibility fell upon him. He assumed the management of the farm and took upon himself the rearing and educating of the younger children, all of which he performed with credit. Mr. Wallace now owns three farms, containing in all about 540 acres, of which 212 acres are well improved and under cultivation, growing principally cotton and corn, with some oats, millet, clover, etc. October 11, 1877, he married Mary E. Hart, who is a native of Tennessee. Of their four children three died in infancy; the survivor, William Wallace, was born March 11, 1884. Mr. Wallace is a member of Newport Lodge, I.O.O.F., which he joined in his twenty-first year.

page 908
John W. Wallace, a prosperous and enterprising merchant, of Newport, Ark., was born in Marshall County, Miss., in the town of Holly Springs, on the 29th of January, 1854, being a son of Wesley W. and Isabella M. (Rutherford) Wallace, the former a native of South Carolina, and the latter of North Carolina. They were married in North Carolina, and at an early day removed to the State of Mississippi, where they purchased a farm and a number of slaves, and conducted their plantation with success for a number of years. About 1862 they removed to the State of Arkansas, and located in Jackson County, and from that time until the father's death, in 1865, he was engaged in farming a large plantation near Newport. His widow survived him until 1877, when she, too, passed to her long home. Eight of a family of eleven children survive them: Carrie V. (wife of Dr. T. D. Cbunn), James E., Amelia (wife of N. B. Wishon), John W., Mamie (wife of I. D. Price), Rina E. (wife of W. C. Wishon), Kate (wife of Dr. G. Hnrt), and Robert W. John W. Wallace, the subject of this biography, was only eight years of age at the time of his parents' location in this county, and here he was reared and educated, and after securing a good common school education he completed his scholastie training in the North Arkansas College. Upon leaving his school days behind him he started out in life for himself as a clerk for Wishon Bros., of Jacksonport, and after remaining with them in this [p.908] capacity for seven years he was taken into the business as a partner. They only remained thus connected one year. when Mr. Wallace sold to them his interest and embarked in the same enterprise on his own responsibility, establishing himself in Newport, the firm name being John W. Wallace & Co. At the end of one year he purchased his partner's interest and has since been alone. He was so unfortunate as to lose his property in the fire of 1883, but he removal to Rogers, Ark., and opened a store: not liking the location, however, he sold his goods and returned to Newport. His stock of goods is well selected and extensive, and Mr. Wallace fully deserves the success which is attending his labors, for he conducts his affairs on strictly honest principles, and is enterprising and industrious. He belongs to the Royal Arcanum, and he and wife, whose maiden name was Vannie Lynn. and whom he married in 1884, are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. She was born in the State of Indiana, and by Mr. Wallace is the mother of one child-Ruth.

T. T. Ward. One of the best known members of the Arkansas press, is Mr. Ward. who edits the Jackson County Herald. He was born in Bertie County. N. C., on February 8. 1843, and is a son of T. W. and Frances E. (Bentley) Ward, of the same State. The father died while on the way with his family to the State of Tennessee, and is buried at Glade Spring. Va. The other members of the family came on to Tennessee and located at Brownsville, where they remained until 1852. when they moved to Batesville, Ark. Young Ward was reared and educated in Batesville, and at the age of thirteen years was apprenticed to the printer's trade, which he had thoroughly learned at the end of his term. At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in Company E. Seventh Arkansas regiment and served until the surrender, taking part in the battles of Shiloh, Mufreesboro. Chickamanga. Franklin, and in fact all the greater engagements. His war record is one that will never be tarnished by time nor die out of the recollection of his old comrades, and no man ever fought more gallantly for the cause he undertook than did Private Ward. On December 16, 1864, he was severely wounded by a rifle ball in the right wrist, but after his recovery continued to serve until the surrender. After the war was over he returned to his trade, and in 1879 purchased the Herald, which, under his management, advanced to a larger circulation than it had ever attained before. In 1882 be moved the paper to Newport, and has since then issned it from that city. Mr. Ward was married in 1871 to Miss Belle Harbison, by whom he has had two children: Allie and May, and has one of the brightest homes in Northeast Arkansas. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

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W. J. Walkins. A name that is familiar to many households in Northeast Arkansas, and one of the leading physicians in that section, is Dr. Watkins. He was born in Rush County, Ind., on October 14, 1849, and is a son of Joseph and Sarah A. (Miller) Watkins. of North Carolina and Virginia, respectively. The families are of Welsh and German descent, and the grandparents on both sides were born in Virginia. The paternal grandfather emigrated to North Carolina, and resided in that State several years, when he removed to Rush County. Ind., where he died as did also the maternal grandfather. The father of Dr. Watkins was a farmer, and was married in Indiana. In his latter days he carried on a successful brokerage business, and at the time of his death was one of the best known brokers in Brown County. His body was removed to Rush County and buried, as was also that of the mother. They were the parents of eight children, of whom seven are still living: Berry H., Martha. Perry. William J., Louisana. Hester A. and Felicia. The Doctor was reared in Rush County, and moved to Brown County when in his fourteenth year. He received a very liberal education in his youth, and, at the age of seventeen years, began to study medicine. In 1867 he commenced to attend the medical lectures at the Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati. and, in 1872, be graduated from the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery. After being thoroughly versed in his profession he went to Newburg, Ind, and commenced practicing. He remained there a short time, and then moved to Arkansas, locating at Clover Bend. but, three years [p.909] after, he again changed, and settled at Walnut Ridge, in the same county, where he remained until the spring of 1889, when he left, to the regret of many friends, and moved to Newport. He is building up a fine practice, and is regarded as one of the most competent physicians in that section, besides being a very popular man socially. He is a member of the Lawrence County Medical Association, and was its president for a number of years, as well as being a member of the State Medical Society. The Doctor also belongs to the Knights of Honor, and was the State medical examiner of that organization for three and one-half years, also belonging to the Masonic fraternity. He was married in 1872 to Miss Elizabeth T. Jenkins, daughter of Dr. J. H. and Sarah C. (nee Wayland) Jenkins, both natives of Kentucky, by whom he has had one child, G. Maxey, the lady being a sincere and conscientious Christian, and a member of the Presbyterian Church. Dr. Watkins has become one of the most enterprising and valuable citizens of whom Lawrence County can boast. He is always a leading spirit in anything advancing and improving the community.

E. L. Watson. In any worthy history of Jackson County, Ark., the name that heads this sketch will always be given an enviable place among the leading citizens of the county, and its self-made wealthy business men. His experience in life has been quite a varied one, but at the same time reflects only credit upon him as a man. He was born in Pulaski County, Ga., November 25, 1819, and is a son of Orin and Lydia (Smith) Watson, who were of English descent, early settlers of Georgia, and removed to Tennessee, locating in Henry County, in 1822, where his mother died, in 1828, and his father died on his second trip from his home in Georgia, in camp on Chattanooga Mountains. Tennessee, in 1822. The father was a farmer by occupation, and he and wife became the parents of thirteen children, three of whom are living: LeRoy, Martha A. and Elbert L. The most important years of the latter's life were spent in Tennessee, after he had reached his fifteenth year, and although he was reared in town, most of the education he received was obtained through self-application. In 1836 he left home and kindred to fight his own way in the world, and soon found himself in Hickman County, Ky., where he remained until 1851, being engaged in the occupation of merchandising and farming. He also served for quite a number of years as sheriff of that county. On the 25th of December, 1853, he arrived in Jackson County, Ark, and immediately located in Jacksonport, where he opened a mercantile establishment, conducting the same with the best of success for a great many years, but in 1861 gave up this work to enlist in Patterson's Eighth Arkansas Regiment, serving until the month of June, 1862, when, on account of rheumatism, he was compelled to resign, and returned to his home and fireside. In 1883 he removed to Newport, where he carried on merchandising until February, 1886, when he sold out and engaged in the broker's business, which he is still successfully conducting. He has now in process of erection, a substantial bank, and is putting in a fine iron and steel cased burglar and fireproof vault, at a great expense, and the bank, when finished, will be known as the Newport Safe Deposit Bank. Mr. Watson owns about 20,000 acres of land in Jackson and adjoining counties, a part of which is occupied by tenants, and several of his farms are very finely improved and are very valuable. To his second marriage, with Miss Lizzie J. Caldwell, in 1858, a family of five children have been born: Oren D., Mattie, Ellen, Birdie and Bessie. Mrs. Watson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is a Mason, and is one of the leading and prominent men of Jackson County, having been a resident of this county for thirty-six years.

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T. J. Watson, a retired and highly respected merchant of Jackson County, was born in Hickman County, Ky., on the 8th of December, 1845, and is a son of E. L. and Mary (James) Watson. Mr. Watson was but nine years old when he came to Jackson County, Ark., with his parents and received the greater portion of his education at the Forest Home Academy. Like many of the young men at that period, his Southern blood was aroused at the first intimation of war, and he joined the Confederate army in the early days of the rebellion, [p.910] becoming a member of the Tenth Tennessee Cavalry, Company E. He took part in the light at Parker's Cross Roads. Thompson's Station and a number of other engagements and skirmishes, and in February, 1864, he was captured at Fort Donelson and confined for about three months. At the end of that time he was paroled and returned home, where he embarked in business at Jacksonport, until February, 1883, when he moved to Newport and carried on his business quite extensively, but in 1889 he sold out and has been practically retired ever since. In 1874 he was elected by the county court to collect the revenue of Jackson County, but owing to some fault of the bond. which was $200,000, he was never qualified. Mr. Watson was married in 1869 to Miss Elizabeth Boyd, of Jackson County, by whom he has had live children: Kate M., Lucy, Elbert L., Bessie and Fannie. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and Hugh DePayne Commandery at Little Rock, as also the Hiram Council No. 18 and Blue Lodge, at Newport, holding the offices of Past Master of the Blue Lodge, and Past High Priest of Jackson Chapter, as well as positions in the Council; he is also an ex-member of the Knights of Pythias and Ancient Order of Odd Fellows. He is also Senior Warden of the lodge at Newport, and has been representative of the Masonic fraternity at the Grand Lodge. Mr. Watson is a full fledged Mason. and takes a deep interest in all matters pertaining to the fraternity.

page 911
Dr. R. P. Watson, of Newport. Jackson County, was born in Hempstead County, Ark.: in 1848, and is the only child of William and Nellie Caldwell) Watson, natives, respectively, of Virginia and Arkansas. William Watson emigrated from Virginia to Middle Tennessee at an early day, and in 1837 located in Hempstead County, Ark.: he was a physician and surgeon, and became the owner of a large plantation in Hempstead County. In 1858 he moved to Jackson County, and the following year went to Craighead County, where he engaged in farming and the practice of his profession until his death, which occurred in 1864: he served in the Mexican War, and took quite an active part in politics as a Jeffersonian Democrat. The mother of our subject died in 1855. Dr. R. P. Watson was reared to the pursuit of farming; he attended the common schools of his native county, and after his father's death educated himself, attending the seminary at Jonesboro until 1870, when he entered the old University Medical College at Louisville, graduating from the latter institution in 1872. The same year he commenced the practice of medicine at Jonesboro, remaining, however, but a short time. He also acted as medical examiner for a New York life insurance company. November 7, 1872. Dr. Watson married Martha Florence Dodd, of Jackson County, a daughter of Atlas and Margery (Stegall) Dodd, the former a native of Mississippi, and the latter of Memphis, Tenn. Mr. and Mrs. Dodd came to Jackson County at an early day, and settled in Village Township, where Dr. Watson now resides; they now live in Izard County Ark. After his marriage. Dr. Watson removed to Jackson County, and engaged in farming in connection with his practice. In 1881 he removed to La Crosse, Izard County, where be devoted the greater part of his attention to his profession; in 1884 the cyclone destroyed his residence, and the following year he moved to his present residence. Dr. Watson owns 2,354 acres of land in one tract, of which 350 acres are under cultivation, and near by has another farm of 1000 acres, with 350 acres more improved. He has erected a good cotton-gin and grist and saw mill, and has been one of the leading stockmen of the county. He is a member of the White River Stock Breeders Association, and owns a great many fine full-blooded horses and cattle and hogs, in which he takes a great deal of pride. Politically he is in sympathy with the Democratic party, and has twice been a delegate to the State Convention. He is a member of Philadelphia Lodge No. 127, A. F. & A. M., of Izard County, and also belongs to the I. O. O. F. at Newport. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs, Watson. viz.: Margery Ella, Belle Willie Dodd, who died in 1881, aged eighteen months: Gracie, Baxter B. and Robert S. Mrs. Watson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and also of the Eastern Star Chapter, of Newberg. The Doctor is one [p.911] of the live and enterprising men of Jackson County, where he is well known for his public spirit and active interest in every public enterprise.

Robert West, farmer and stock raiser, is a native of Tennessee, the son of Robert C. and Sarah (Willard) West, of North Carolina and South Carolina, respectively. They had a family of eleven children, of whom only two, the subject of our sketch and Dr. Crawford West, of Tuckerman, born May 18, 1855, are now living. Robert West came from South Carolina with his parents, to Arkansas, in the year 1866, heating in Jackson County upon a farm rented of W. R. Jones; they lived there one year, then rented a farm of a nonresident, where they lived one year; they again rented of Mr. W. R. Jones, and the following year bought a farm in Union Township, where the father died at the age of lifty-two. In 1875 he bought land in Union Township. Section 36, and after remaining there one year, bought the farm upon which he now lives. This farm was partly improved. At the present time Mr. West owns 450 acres of cotton and earn land, 205 acres of which are cultivated: in addition to this he is cultivating 800 acres of rented land. Mr. West is a man of unusual energy and determination, such a one as is needed to build up a country like this. In 1874, October 24th. Robert married Miss Josephine E. Miller; they have had a family of five children, three of whom are now living: Sarah Emma (born November 11, 1878). Cromwell H. (born February 18, 1886). and Thurman (born December 13, 1888). Mrs. West's parents were George W. and Emma (H.) Miller, who were among the early settlers of Arkansas.

Wiley J. Westmoreland farmer and stock raiser, is a son of William and Annie (Bridges) Westmoreland, natives of Georgia, William's father being a native of Westmoreland County. Va. Wiley J. was born March 16, 1833, in Georgia, being the eldest of a family of twelve, four of whom are still living in Arkansas. Our subject was raised on a farm, and never engaged in any other business than farming. He came to Arkansas with his parents in 1857, and made his first purchase of land, a forty acre tract, in 1859, in White County. About twenty acres were cultivated; he put in one crop, and in the fall of that year sold it, after which he rented land, which he worked till 1862, when he enlisted in the Thirty-fourth Arkansas Volunteer Infantry Regiment, participating in the Prairie Grove battle in 1862, the battle of Helena in 1863, and also the battles of Pleasant Hill and Jenkins' Ferry, and served faithfully till May 5, 1865, when he returned home, having been under Gen. Kirby's command, Pierce's division. On his return, he rented a farm in Barren Township, where he lived till 1868, when he bought the farm upon which he now lives. At the present time, he has forty acres under cultivation, and raises good grades of horses, cattle and hogs. In 1885 Mr. Westmoreland married Mrs. Sarah (Gray) Swick, who has one child, Susan Naomi Swick. They have had no children. Mr. Westmoreland has served his township as school director for five years, and in May last was elected for a term of three years. In politics, he is a Democrat, and with his wife, belongs to the Missionary Baptist Church of Denmark, a small village of Barren Township.

page 912 J. M. Westmoreland, farmer and stock raiser, Bradford, Ark. Originally from Coweta County, Ga., Mr. Westmoreland's birth occurred in 1853, and he is the youngest in a family of eleven children born to the union of Dr. William and Anna (Bridges) Westmoreland, both natives of the same State as their son. Dr. William Westmoreland attained his growth, and was married in his native State, removing from there to Arkansas in 1859. He settled in White County, Liberty Township, and there rented land, but at the same time followed his profession, becoming prominently known all over the county in the latter capacity. He then moved to Jackson County, Barren Township, where he purchased an unimproved farm, and became well known all over the county, not only as a successful and eminent physician, but as a social, pleasant gentleman. He was a Democrat in politics, and socially a Mason. His death occurred on the 2d of June, 1877, and his wife previous to this. on the 21st of February, 1874. J. M. Westmoreland. like the average country boy, assisted on [p.912] the farm and received his education in the district schools of Barren Township. He was married in that township, in 1883, to Miss Nettie Lovell, a native of Missouri, and afterward settled on his present property, where he has 125 acres of land, with thirty-five acres under cultivation. He has erected good houses and out-buildings. He is at present quite deeply interested in the raising of stock. He votes with the Democratic party, but is not active in politics. Mr. and Mrs. Westmoreland are members of the Baptist Church. Their marriage was blessed by the birth of two children: Willie and Alta. Mr. Westmoreland has always taken an active interest in all matters relating to the community's welfare, and is a first-class citizen.

John N. Williamson, of Arkansas, planter and stock raiser, was born in Marshall County. Tenn., in 1822. His father was John Williamson, of Virginia, who married Mary Hunter, of South Carolina, and was a farmer and one of the early settlers of Tennessee, where he died, in Marshall County, in 1832, his widow surviving till 1852. John N., the sixth in a family of eight children, was raised on the farm and received his education in the subscription schools of Tennessee. He followed the life of a farmer, and in 1850 moved to Greene County, Mo., where he remained for five years, then going to Cedar County, of the same State, and in the fall of 1860 removed to Sharp County, Ark., engaging in farming part of the time during the war, in Missouri. In 1866 he came to Jackson County, Ark., located at Elgin, renting land, and in 1870 bought a timber tract of 160 acres, on which there were no improvements, and no settlement between there and Elgin. For 120 acres of this land he paid $16 an acre, and for forty acres. $10. He at once cleared off a place for a cabin, and commenced clearing and improving the land, until now he has eighty acres under cultivation, on which is a good orchard. He raises a good grade of stock. In 1847 Mr. Williamson married Willmarth Roberts, a native of Marshall County. Tenn., born in 1829, the daughter of Jeremiah and Rebecca (Jones) Roberts, of Virginia and North Carolina. who were among the early settlers of Tennessee. They have been dead some years. To Mr. and Mrs. Williamson have been born twelve children, eight of whom are living: Narcissa (died at the age of nine), James M. (died at the age of twenty), Thomas N. (of Jefferson Township), Mary E. (died at the age of sixteen). Christopher C. (of Bird Township), John F. (of Western Arkansas), Andrew Jackson (died at the age of twenty), William S., Sarah Frances (resides in the West), Virginias F., Josephine J. (at home). and Monroe Pinckney (at home). Mrs. Williamson is a Baptist in belief. Mr. Williamson is a Democrat, but not an office seeker, and always takes an active interest in public enterprises for the advancement of the county. Our subject is practically a self-made man, and one of the leading citizens of the county.

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F. L. Williamson, farmer, of Bird Township, was born in Limestone County, Ala, in 1828, the only child of F. L. and Sarah (Lookenbill) Williamson, the father a native of England, who came to this country at an early day, married in Virginia, and finally settled in Tennessee, where he died in 1828. Our subject's mother went to Alabama before the country was sectionized, settling in what is now Limestone County, Ala., and later moved to Tennessee, where her death occurred. Her father was among the first pioneers of Pennsylvania. and served through the Revolutionary War. He had two sons in the War of 1812. The subject of this sketch was reared to frontier life, and went four miles on foot to the subscription schools for what education he received. He aided in clearing and developing the home farm, and commenced farming for himself in Wayne County, Tenn. In January. 1862, he enlisted for twelve months in Capt. Powers' company, under Col. Crewes, went to Nashville, thence to Alabama, and was assigned to the Fifth Kentucky Infantry, under Col. Hunt, Gen. Breckinridge's brigade. He was in the battle of Shiloh, then on the skirmish line to Corinth; from there to Tupelo. Miss., then to Abbeville, Miss. He was in the company that re-organized, and was in service till the close of the war; he was in the battle at Jackson; thirty-two days at Vicksburg; then went to Baton Rouge, returning to Jackson, Miss., where he was on garrison duty; from there to Grand Junction, then to Jackson, [p.913] Merita, Ala., Mobile and thence to Florida, from there to Montgomery; to Atlanta and to Chattanooga; to Knoxville, to Virginia, and back to Knoxville; to Chattanooga and Murfreesboro; engaged at Nashville, then on skirmish line to Murfreesboro; he was then transferred to Newman's command, Tennessee Regiment, and finally returned to Tennessee in 1864, and engaged in farming. In 1867 he came to Arkansas, settling in Independence County, and in 1869 came to Jackson County, in Village Township, and in 1872 to Bird Township, renting land, and in 1886, bought 160 acres in that township. Mr. Williamson has taken quite an active part in politics, voting with the Democratic party. He has seen a vast change in this county, and has always taken an active interest in all worthy public enterprises. Mr. Williamson was first married in Wayne County, Tenn., in April, 1848, to Vianer Tally, daughter of Page and Nancy Tally, natives of South Carolina and Alabama, respectively, who came to Tennessee in an early day. Her father died in 1864, his wife later. By that marriage there were seven children: Levi, Mary Ann (now Mrs. Blake). Calvin. Elizabeth (now Mrs. Beech), William Marion, Caledonia (now Mrs. Stephens) and John, our subject. Mrs. Williamson died in 1886. and in 1887 Mr. Williamson married Josey Andrews, widow, daughter of John Petty, an early pioneer of Tennessee.

C. W. Winfree, farmer and merchant. Centreville, Ark. This gentleman, who was originally from West Tennessee, where his birth occurred in 1850, is the second in a family of six children born to Charles W. and Susan H. (Terry) Winfree, both natives of the Old Dominion. Charles W. Winfree emigrated to Tennessee at an early day, and was a mechanic (carriage workman) by trade. He moved to Jackson County, Ark., in 1870, settling in Bird Township, and there followed tilling the soil until his death, which occurred in 1873. His cheerful companion also closed her eyes to the scenes of this world in 1883. C. W. Winfree was early initiated into the duties of farm life and quite naturally, as might be supposed, has since principally followed that pursuit. He received his education in the schools of Tennessee. and came with his parents to Jackson County, Ark., in 1870, where he resumed the duties on the farm. This occupation he has since continued, and has opened up considerable land, being now the owner of 1,700 acres in Bird Township, with 600 acres under cultivation. He has about 450 acres in cotton, and this is his principal pursuit. He also raises considerable stock, principally horses and mules, and in fact is one of the wide-awake, thorough-going farmers of the county. He is active in politics, and votes with the Democratic party. He has filled the offices of judge, clerk and supervisor, several times, and to the satisfaction of all, and he also takes an active interest in school matters. Mr. Winfree was married, in Independence County, Ark., in 1887, to Mrs. Fannie E. (Holdford) Gray, widow of Dr. Gray, and afterward settled in Centreville, where he has been engaged in merchandising since 1884, but also carries on his farming interest. Socially, he is a member of Tuckerman Lodge No. 192, Masonic fraternity, and has been secretary of the same. To his marriage was born one child.

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W. H. Wise is a farmer and merchant, being a partner in the firm of Kimbrough & Wise, of Weldon, Ark. His parents were William H. and Mary E. (Brown) Wise, natives of Maryland and Alabama, respectively, who moved to Mississippi at an early day, where the subject of this sketch was born, in De Soto County, April 1, 1849. His father, a farmer and mechanic, was a relative of Gov. Wise, of Virginia. He settled a large farm in Mississippi, also the town of Hernando, and became a large land owner. He was a Democrat, and held the office of magistrate a great many years. W. H. Wise was raised on a farm, where his opportunities for education were limited, having attended only the common schools of Mississippi. At the age of twenty, in 1870, he came to Arkansas, engaged in farming, and in 1873 bought eighty acres of land in the woods, on the present site of Weldon. He cleared fifty acres of this land and continued farming till 1885, when the Batesville & Brinkley Railroad reached Tupelo. At that time he sold forty acres of his land to D. A. Kimbrough for a half interest in the latter's store, and the same year the firm of Kimbrough & Wise began [p.914] business in Weldon, where they have since continued. They carry a general stock of goods and do a large business. Mr. Wise and his partner own a large part of Weldon properly, twenty-two lots and two blocks having been sold. In 1873 he married Miss Maggie Godby, of Mississippi. They had five children: Ida, Willie. Estelina. Maggie Jefferson, Edward Hubbard, aged fifteen, thirteen, eleven, nine and six years. respectively. His wife died December 27, 1883, and in October, 1885, he married Miss Fannie Moore, daughter of S. J. and Sarah Moore, of North Carolina and Alabama, who came to Arkansas in 1870, where he has since engaged in farming. They live at Bowen's Ridge. Mr. Wise is a Democrat, though not an active politician. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. South, of which he is steward and trustee. He is active in the interest of schools and churches in his community. and has done his share in the development of the country.

Robert A. Wise is a brother of W. H. Wise, and both are residents of Weldon, Ark. Robert A. Wise was born in Hernando. De Soto County. Miss., May 24, 1844. He is now postmaster at Weldon and engaged in the drug and grocery business. He was the second child of W. H. and Mary E. (Brown) Wise, the former having been born and reared near Baltimore, Md., and the latter at Florence, Ala. W. H. Wise, a mechanic by occupation, came to Memphis, Tenn., in 1838. and went to work at his trade, but his health becoming bad he moved to Hernando. Miss., in 1839, and met Miss Brown, whom he married in 1840. He was elected magistrate and sheriff of De Soto County for a number of years, and he invested his income in real estate in the town of Hernando. Finally his health became so bad that he gave up his office and sold his property in town, and invested in a large tract of land four and one-half miles east of Hernando, turning his attention to farming and stock raising, and at his death, which occurred in 1856, his estate, consisting of land, stock and negroes, was valued at $100,000. He and his wife were strict members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. South. Robert A. was raised on the farm, receiving his education in the common schools of North Mississippi. and at the age of seventeen he left school and enlisted as a volunteer in Company K. Ninth Mississippi Regiment, Monroe, Capt. Thomas While. Chalmer's brigade, in the Army of Tennessee. He was at the battle of Shiloh and was sent home on furlough sick from Corinth. Returning to the army at Tupelo he was taken down with typhoid fever, which settled in his right leg, disabling him from duty. He received an unlimited furlough to go home, and remained until further orders. Some ninety days later he recovered, and was ordered to join the army at Knoxville. Tenn., as it came out of Kentucky on its way to Murfreesboro. He was in that battle and all the skirmishes and fights engaged in by his command through Tennessee. taking part in the battle of Chickamanga, and receiving a wound in the breast on the second day of the fight. This, however, did not disable him from duty, and subsequently he was in the engagements at Missionary Ridge, Tunnel Hill, at Dalton, Ga., and at Resaca: he was wounded in the thigh at Altoona Mountain. Following this he was occupied with his command in fights around Atlanta and at Jonesboro, but becoming ill again he was sent home, where he remained until the close of the war. Afterward he engaged in farming on a small scale. His father's and mother's estate was all destroyed during the war and taken away except the land. Robert A. received his portion of the land, which he sold and went to Lonisiana to raise cotton on a large scale on Red River. He invested every dollar he had in a cotton crop, but the first year the worms destroyed half of it and the next year the overflow destroyed all. He then came to Jackson County. Ark., and engaged in farming, starting on borrowed capital, and by hard labor and economy he managed to pay for a farm near Newport, which he sold in 1887, and came to Weldon, embarking in his present business. He is a bachelor and a member of the Methodist Church, South, and was an active member in the district school board in which he lived before coming to Weldon. He was also a member of the Farmer's Alliance or Wheelers. He has always been liberal, and has done his share toward building churches, schools and all public enterprises. He is now a cripple, being paralyzed in the right hip and leg, but is making a good support by his own exertion. Himself and his brother are the only surviving members of a family of nine children.

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N. B. Wishon is a prosperous real estate dealer and collecting agent at Newport, Ark., and was born in Phelps County, Mo., on the 12th of September, 1848, and is a son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Singleton) Wishon, the former a native of North Carolina, and the latter of Kentucky. Their marriage took place in the latter State, and they afterward moved to St. Louis, Mo., when the city contained less than 10,000 inhabitants (in 1829). Here Mr. Wishon remained for about ten years, being an employ‚ of the Wiggins Ferry Company, and acted in the capacity of engineer. In 1839 he located near Rolla, Mo., and opened a very fine farm of about 1,500 acres, and here he and his wife resided until their deaths. N. B. Wishon remained on this farm until nineteen years of age, and in 1867 came to Arkansas and began clerking in a store in Jacksonport, continuing an employe of Holloway & Co., at a very low salary, until 1871. He then formed a partnership with his brothers, Frank and W. C., and the firm became known as Wishon Bros., they conducting a general merchandising establishment in Jacksonport. In 1873 they opened up a branch store at Newport, which was the first business house in the place, and was a frame structure, and this together with two cheap box houses were located in the woods. They continued at this point until 1883, then selling out to E. L. Watson & Son. Mr. Wishon then set to work to build up the town and put up a substantial brick block and several residence buildings, but for the past few years he has given his attention almost entirely to the real estate and collection business. The brothers at one time owned a fifth interest in the original town site. They own eight brick business houses, and considerable improved residence property, and unimproved town lots and several fine farms in a high state of cultivation, together with several hundred acres of fine timbered and wild lands in the county. He has held several local offices, and he and wife, whom he married in 1871, and whose maiden name was Amelia Wallace, are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and are the parents of two children: Lena and Earl H.

W. C. Wishon, agent of the Batesville & Brinkley Railroad, and a popular resident of Newport, was born in Phelps County, Mo., in February, 1851, and is a son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Singleton) Wishon. He was reared and remained in Phelps County until attaining his twenty-second year, and up to nineteen years of age lived on the home farm, and attended the schools of his native place. At nineteen years of age he was offered and accepted a position in one of the business houses at Rolla, Mo., where he remained for two years, winning the confidence and esteem of his employers by performing his duties in a satisfactory manner. In 1871 he moved to Jacksonport, Ark., and entered into commercial life with his brother, N. B. Wishon, continuing at that city until 1873, when they both removed to Newport, where they were among the first and most enterprising business men of that town, and helped to build considerable of the property. In 1880 W. C. was engaged by the Southern Express Company as express agent, and the business of the brothers was sold in February, 1882. He remained with that company until 1886, when the Batesville & Brinkley Railroad opened up its line, and he was engaged as their agent at Newport. where he has been ever since, building up a reputation for being one of the best agents on the line. In 1877 he was married to Miss Rina Wallace, a pleasant and attractive lady, who has made his home one of the brightest in Newport. Mr. Wishon is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Royal Arcanum. He is a prominent man in social and business circles at Jacksonport as well as Newport, of which latter city he is the pioneer.

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A. Wiysel, lumber manufacturer. Mr. Wiysel was born and reared among the industries of a great manufacturing place, his birth occurring in Cambria County, Penn., on the 24th of August, 1824. He is a son of Joseph and Susanna (Weisinger) Wiysel, of the same county and State, but the great-grandfather was a native of Germany, who emigrated to this country at an early period [p.916] and settled in Pennsylvania. afterward fighting in the War of the Revolution. The parents of A. Wiysel emigrated to Wabush County. Ind., some years after their marriage, where the father died during the Civil War. while the mother still stirvives him and is living in Indiana. They were the parents of six children, of whom four are yet living, A. Wiysel being the oldest. He was reared and spent his younger days in Pennsylvania, where he also received the greater part of his education, and afterwards moved to Wabash County. Ind. From there he went to Adair County. Mo., and remained until 1859, when he came to Jacksonport and was employed in teaming. During the war he was detailed as engineer of a large flouring mill on the White River. and after that event he embarked in saw-milling and lumber manufacturing, a business that he has fostered and built up to be one of the most successful in that section. He has various markets for his products, employs a large number of men, and turns out some of the best material to be found anywhere. and has the honor of being one of the pioneer mill men of Jackson County. Mr. Wiysel was married in 1848 to Miss Susanna Stemman. by whom he has had five children, two of them yet living; Samuel and Charles. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and one of the representative citizens of his county, taking an active interest in its promotion and welfare.