Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Western Arkansas

Pope County part two

 

page 234

Silas A. Henry, farmer, Potts Station, Ark. There are many successful agriculturists represented within the pages of this volume, but none more deserving of mention than Silas A. Henry, who is one of the pioneers of this State. He was born in York County, S. C., in June, 1841, and was the eldest of ten children, six of whom are now living and residing near Russellville, Pope County, Ark. Silos A. received his education in Arkansas. In July, 1861, he enlisted in the Confederate Army, Company B, Second Arkansas Regiment Infantry, Capt. Parker's company, and under Col. McIntosh. In the spring of 1862 he was sent east of the Mississippi River in the Army of Tennessee under Gen. Bragg, and was in the battles of Chickarnauga, Wilson Creek, Pea Ridge, Richmond, Murfreeaboro, Jackson, and was then with Johnston and Hood in the Georgia campaign. He went with the latter general to Tennessee, was in the battles of Franklin and Nashville, and then went with Gen. Johnston to North Carolina, and fought the battle of Bentonville. He surrendered at Greensboro, N. C., as second lieutenant of his company, which had at the beginning 100 men, but at the close only fourteen were left, he being the only commissioned officer left in the company. He arrived home on July 5, 1865, and since then has been engaged in cultivating the soil. He makes a complete success of this occupation, as a glance over his place will indicate to the beholder, and of the 120 acres he now owns, 70 acres are under cultivation. Miss Nancy M. Bigham, daughter of Dr. Robert

Bigharn, became his wife in 1869. and the fruits of this union have been nine children, eight now living: Irene E., Robert B., Andrew K., C. Walter, Jennings M., John Mc., Joseph G., Dixon B. and Lily Mc. John Mc. died at the age of two years. Irene married W. R. McArthur, son of Joseph McArthur of Pope County, Ark., and the remainder of the children are at home with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Henry are members of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, and he is a strong adherent to the Democratic principles. His parents, A. K. and Elizabeth (Parker) Henry, were natives of South Carolina. They removed to Arkansas with a family of five children in 1857, bought land in Pope County, and there they reside at the present time. The paternal grandfather, C. W. Henry, diad in South Carolina at an early day, and his wife came to this State and county with her son, A. M. [p.234] Henry, about 1875. She died in 1888, at the age of ninety-eight years. The maternal grandparents came to Arkansas from South Carolina in 1859, settled in Pope County, the place where Capt. Parker now resides, and there they received their final summons, the grandmother in 1860, and the grandfather in 1866.

J. D. Hogan is one of the wide-awake, enterprising and substantial men of the county. He was born in Kershaw county, S. C., September 13, 1838, to S.S. and Margaret J. (Cronkfield) Hogan, who were born and reared in the Palmetto State, and there spent their lives, being earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at the time of their deaths. J. D. Hogan was reared in his native State, his education, which was rather limited, being also received there, but in 1859 he commenced doing for himself and determined to better his education. Accordingly, when he had obtained sufficient means he entered school in Columbia, but was taken sick in October, 1860, with typhoid fever, and upon thoroughly recovering did not again enter school, but helped to swell the ranks of the Confederate Army, becoming a member of Butler's command in the spring of 1861. Farming has been his principal occupation in life, at which he has been quite successful, and he is now the owner of 280 acres of land, a considerable portion of which is under cultivation and well improved. He was married March 15, 1866, to Cynthia M. Cloud, and the following are their children: Minnie T., Hattie E., Alice O., F. B., Sallie S., Matlie J., Walton W., Lionel D., Nannie Lois, May Alberta, and James D. All are living with the exception of May Alberta and James D. Mr. Hogan is a stanch Democrat, and for ten years held the office of trial justice. He and his wife have been members of the Methodist Episco. pal Church South ever since childhood, and their eldest four children are also members. He has been a resident of this county since December 24, 1888, and here expects to spend the rest of his days. His wife is a daughter of Franklin D. and Sarah (Hogan) Cloud.

Reese B. Hogins, circuit and county clerk of Pope County, Ark., was born in Dover of this county on April 15, 1847, and was the youngest of eight children born to A. D. and Louisa (Bowen) Hogins both native Tennesseeans. He received his education at home, and in September, 1863, he enlisted in Company A, Fifth Arkansas Cavalry of the Confederate Army, and was in the battles of Pine Bluff, Marks' Mill, Poison Springs, Prairie de Ann, and was with Gen. Price in his Missouri campaign. He was wounded at the battle of Pilot Knob, taken prisoner and confined at St. Louis and Alton until February 17, when he was exchanged at Richmond. He regained his command in time to surrender at Marshall, Tex. After this he came home and followed farming until 1874, and was then deputy sheriff, for two years. In 1876 he was elected sheriff, and served six years in succession, after which he farmed for the same length of time. In 1888 he was elected county and circuit clerk, which position he fills at the present time to the satisfaction of all. He is the owner of 100 acres of land near Dover, with eighty acres under cultivation, and has 420 acres in Yell County with 100 acres under cultivation. His marriage occurred on November 21, 1867, to Miss Josephine White, a native of this county and the daughter of Robert White, who came to Pope County as early as 1840. Mr. White was a merchant for many years, both at Norristown and Dover. He died in 1864. Mr. and Mrs. Hogins are the parents of six children: Mary R. (wife of A. J. White of Dover), John F., Augustus S., William R., Emma and Hallie. Mr. Hogins is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Dover Lodge No. 17 and Russellville Chapter No. 76. He is a member of the K. of P., Russellville Lodge No. 47, in which he is chancellor commander, and is also a member of the K. of H. No. 1353, in which he is F. R. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and are held in high estimation in the community. Mr. Hogins has taken an active interest in political matters for years and is a wide-awake, enterprising citizen.

page 235

W. R. Hudlon, farmer and ginner, Moreland, Ark. Mr. Hudlon is another of the many representative citizens of Pope County, who owe their nativity to Tennessee, his birth occurring in 1829, [p.235] and is the son of George W. and Lucy (Hurst) Hudlon, both natives of the Old Dominion. The seven children born to their marriage are named in the order of their births as follows: Nancy C. (wife of N. Hubbord), W. R., Elizabeth (wife of David Revis), George W., Sarah E. (wife of Henry Plemons),Fanny (wife of James Silvertooth), and Joseph (deceased). W. R. Hudlon received a limited education in his native State, but this he has remedied to a great extent by observation and study, being now a well-posted man on all important topics of the day. He began working for himself in 1850, and in that year he was wedded to Miss Elizabeth Goble, daughter of John and Rehanna (Maynard) Goble. To them were born ten children, six now living: George, John, Joseph, Francis, Allen, James and Mary M. Mr. Hadlon came to Arkansas in 1857, purchased 120 acres of land, cleared twenty acres, and erected a house and other buildings. He then sold this land and bought 300 acres, partly improved, which he further improved by clearing about fifty acres, and on this he has a good house and substantial outbuildings. Subsequently he sold 100 acres of this. In 1880 he erected a gin, which he operated until 1888, when he purchased a large gin at Cross Plains, the capacity of which is ten bales per day. He also looks after his fine farm of 200 acres, eighty acres under cultivation, on which he raises cotton and corn. He lost his wife in 1873. She was an estimable lady and a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1873 Mr. Hudlon married Mrs. Mary Ferror, a native of Georgia, and the daughter of Samuel J. Harria. The result of this union have been ten children, seven of whom are living: Ulysses L., Minnie M., Sally D., Arthur S., Charley, Riley D. and Homer. Mr. Hudlon enlisted in the Federal service, Company C, Fourth Arkansas Cavalry, but was rejected on account of condition of health. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is a steward, and he was postmaster at Moreland for eighteen years. He was also justice of the peace of Moreland Township for eight years.

B. F. Jobe, editor of the Ruasellville Democrat, Russellville, Ark. Under the efficient management of Mr. Jobe, the Russellville Democrat has come to be regarded as one of the representative country journals, and the paper is found to be a welcome visitor in the numerous homes in which it enters. Mr. Jobe was born at Ringgold, Ga., on July 7, 1849, and removed with his parents to Arkansas in 1857. On July 10, 1870, he entered the office of the Des Are (Arkansas) Citizen and began work as an apprentice under the tutorship of Allen C. Matthews. In February, 1872, he took charge of the mechanical department of the Russellville National Tribune, edited by J. H. Battenfield, a position he occupied until 1874. When the Russellville Printing Association was organized in 1875, he was elected manager and continued in charge of the business department until 1887, when in addition to his other duties he assumed the editorial management of the Democrat, which position he still holds. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has been secretary of Russellville Lodge No. 274 for seventeen years. He is at present recorder of the city council, a position he has held for eight years, and is now serving his fourth term as protector of Ashby Lodge No. 335, K. & L. of H. He is second vice president of the Arkansas State Press Association. On September 3, 1873, he was married to Miss S. F. Bonds, and to them have been born the following children: Cora Edna (born July 10, 1874) and Floy B. (born October 10, 1870). The family are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr. Jobe's parents first located in Columbia County, Ark., in 1857, remained there one year and then moved to Des Arc, Prairie County, where the father followed merchandising until 1861. He then moved to Pope County, settling three miles from Atkins, but remained there only until 1863, when he moved to Searcy, White County, and there his death occurred in 1888. The mother resides in Russellville. Mr. Jobe is one of Russellville's most valued citizens, polite, courteous and pleasant to all, and has a host of warm friends.

page 236

P. M. Johnson is one of the honored "sons of the soil," and as he was reared to this occupation by his father, he has made it his chief occupation through life. He was ushered into life in Smith [p.236] County, Tenn., in 1835, and in that State his parents, D. M. and E. G. (Lee) Johnson, were also born, the former being a native of Overton County. The maternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch was a Virginian, but was one of the early pioneers of Tennessee, and in that State reared his family. P. M. Johnson attained manhood in Pope County, Ark., and notwithstanding the fact that his early opportunities were of the most meager description, he was naturally intelligent, and upon attaining manhood was well fitted to make his own way in the world. In 1854 he went to California, but returned to Pope County, Ark., four years later. After remaining here until 1859, he returned to the "Eldorado of the West" and was also in Nevada for some time, but in 1866 went to Montana Territory, where he continued to make his home for six years. At the end of that time he was satisfied to return to Pope County, Ark., to make his home. He was married, the year following his return, to Miss Susan M. Langford, and unto them the following children were born: E. C., Emma, A. S., E. P., M. A., M. V., L. W., E. M. and B. M. E. C., E. P. and Emma are deceased. Mr. Johnson has always been a very enthusiastic Democrat, and all his relatives agree with him in their political views. He has always been a public-spirited citizen, has always been the soul of honor, and is a patron of education and all worthy enterprises.

George W. Johnstone. Nowhere in Pope County, Ark., is there to be found a man of more energy, determined will or force of character than Mr. Johnstone possesses, and no agriculturist is deserving of greater success in the conduct and management of a farm than he. He was born in the State of New York, April 12, 1844, to Samuel D. and Mary J. (Merchant) Johnstone, both of whom were born in England, the former's birth occurring in 1801, and the latter's in 1807. They were married in North Carolina, in 1830, and to them two sons and two daughters were born: Ruth A. (wife of Thomas Keiten), James H., Martha (deceased), and George W. The father emigrated with his family to Louisiana at an early day, and from there to Arkansas in 1838, entering 160 acres of land in Pulaski County, greatly increasing this amount in later years. He died on June 10, 1873, and his wife in 1846, a member of the Episcopal Church. On March 31, 1869, George W. Johnstone was united in the bonds of matrimony to Miss Mary V. Gargles, by whom he became the father of one child, a daughter, Mary J., wife of Robert Laster, of the Cherokee Nation. The mother died March 27, 1870, an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Mr. Johnstone's wife, to whom he was married October 6, 1878, was Mrs. Mary J. Clark, a native of Perry County, Ark., born March 1, 1849, a daughter of Reuben and Mary (Hancock) Noels. She was the widow of James Clark, whom she married in 1864, and by whom she became the mother of six children, two now living: Abie M. and William H. James, Anna, Sarah and Charles E. are deceased. Mr. Clark died on September 11, 1877. Mrs. Johnstone's parents were born in Pennsylvania, and she is the only child born to their union. Her father died in 1849 and her mother in 1852. To her union with Mr. Johnstone, four children have been born: Maggie L., George A. (deceased), Nannie L. O. and Albert A. On March 14, 1864, Mr. Johnstone enlisted in the Federal Army, in the Third Regiment United States regular service, and was on duty for two years, at the end of which time he was discharged and returned home and engaged in farming. He afterward became surveyor for the Little Rock & Fort Smith Railroad Company for eleven years. He is the owner of 266 acres of land, 100 acres being under cultivation and excellently improved, the principal crops of which are corn, cotton and wheat. He is a member of Russellville Lodge No. 272, of the A. F. & A. M., also belongs to the relief association of that order and is a member of the G. A. R. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Josiah Clark and wife, parents of James Clark, Mrs. Johnstone's first husband, moved from Pennsylvania to Pope County, Ark., at an early day, and in that county James Clark was born and died. By occupation he was a steamboat captain and pilot on the Mississippi and Arkansas rivers.

page 237

[p.237] J. E. Joyner, attorney, Atkins, Ark. J. E. Joyner is one of Pope County's leading and eminent lawyers. He owes his nativity to the Palmetto State, born in 1848, and was the eighth of nine children born to his parents. In 1852 he came with his parents to Arkansas, and in 1870 entered the University of Mississippi, taking the A. B. course, and graduating in 1873. After this he taught school in Pulaski County, and then for one year was principal of the Dardanelle Institute. About this time he began reading law, and after two years entered the office of Clark & Williams at Little Rock, with whom he remained until 1878. He was then admitted to the bar by the Supreme Court of Arkansas, and afterward came to Atkins, where he has since practiced his profession. He is a fluent and forcible speaker, sound in his views and has won an enviable reputation among his legal brethren in Arkansas. By his marriage, which occurred in 1881, to Miss Julia Reynolds, have been born five children, one deceased: Fay, Eddie, May. Lucy (died in infancy) and Maud. The father of Mrs. Joyner, William Reynolds, is an old settler of this county. In 1881 Mr. Joyner purchased a farm of ninety-six acres in the bottom lands of Arkansas River, and has added to this until he is now the owner of 350 acres, all bottom land with 240 acres under cultivation. The balance is well timbered. He also is the owner of 174 acres in the uplands, with forty acres in cultivation. He built a good house in Atkins in 1881, and also has a good office. He is active in town affairs, and has served as alderman. He is a mem-of the Masonic fraternity, the K. of P. and the K. of H. He is a self-made man, and all his property is the result of hard work and enterprise on his part. Mrs. Joyner is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Mr. Joyner's parents, Joel and Rebecca (Gassaway) Joyner, were natives of North Carolina and South Carolina, respectively. The father

was a merchant and farmer and came to Arkansas in 1852, settling in Pulaski County, where he remained but a short time. He then moved to Brownsville, Prairie County, and was one of the early merchants of the same, remaining there for four years. He then moved to his farm in Pulaski County, and there remained until his death in 1883. The mother died in 1868. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.

page 238

J. R. Kenney, M. D. This popular and competent physician has been a resident of Dover since March, 1872, and during this time has won a reputation for ability and efficiency that is excelled by none. He was born in Lauderdale County, Ala., September 2, 1837, to John Kenney, a mechanic of that county, and although he was only given the advantages of the common schools, he was faithful, studious and painstaking, and became a thoroughly good student. As his father was a tanner he learned that trade in his youth, and after he had attained his majority he began doing for himself, but made his home with his father for three years thereafter. In 1863 he entered the Confederate Army, being in Baker's company of Forrest's battalion, and while he was in no extensive engagement, he was in numerous small battles and skirmishes. On account of ill health he was sent to the hospital shortly after he entered the army, where he remained for a few weeks, and was discharged on account of disability. After his return home he began the study of medicine, which he continued under the instruction of Dr. B. F. Crittenden, of Center Star, Ala., and in the fall of 1865 he took a course of lectures in the University of Nashville, Tenn., and the following spring commenced practicing at Lexington, Ala., where he remained for two years. He then opened a tanning business in Charles County, Tenn., which he conducted in addition to his medical practice for about two years, at the end of which time he sold out his business, and went to Wayland Springs, Lawrence County, Tenn., at which place he remained until March 1, 1872, when he became a resident of Dover, Ark. He has been very successful here in the practice of the healing art, and since 1883 has been the owner of 277 acres of land, lying on the west side of the Illinois Bayou, which he has improved from time to time, until he now has about 160 acres in an excellent state of cultivation, and also has 120 acres on Big Piney Creek, about ten miles northwest of Dover of which forty [p.238] are improved, and 120 acres, forty being under cultivation, about four miles east of town. These farms are conducted by tenants. He is a joint owner with J. A. Pitts, of Dover, in a grist-mill and cotton-gin, under the firm name of Pitts & Co., the plant being worth about $2,000, the work of the cotton-gin amounting to about 425 bales annually, besides the work of the grist-mill. The Doctor is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and in politics is a Democrat. Starting in life as he did, he has been wonderfully successful, not only in his practice, but as a business man also, and is one of the leaders in both callings in this section of the country. He has remained unmarried.

page 239

Dr. C. L. Kirksoey is the oldest physician and surgeon of Dover, Ark., and has been a resident of this county since 1874, coming from Helena, Ala. He was born on December 2, 1838, at Alarnucha, Lauderdale County, Miss. His father, John M. C. Kirkscey was a farmer and stock-dealer residing near De Sotoville and Butler, Ala., and on his farm the subject of this sketch was reared to the age of fifteen years, at which time he entered school at Gaston and Providence, Ala. Up to this time his advantages for acquiring an education were very limited, but his father now resolved to give him every advantage, and after remaining in that institution one year he entered the high school at Eutaw, Ala., remaining in this institution one year also. He next became a student in the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa, which was not only a literary but a military college, and here he remained two and one-half years, being a painstaking and zealous student. At the end of this time he entered the Confederate Army as third lieutenant and was first sent to Demopolis, Ala., to take charge of a drill camp at that place, and here he entered actual service in Company B, Eleventh Alabama Regiment his uncle S. F. A. Hail being lieutenant-colonel of this regiment. He was in the battles of Seven Pines, Mechanicsville, Gaines' Mill, and White Oak Swamp, being wounded and taken prisoner in the latter engagement. After being sent to his home he was assigned to duty in the Commissary Department, where he remained until the close of the war, when he returned home to find himself without a dollar with which to commence the battle of life. He then followed school teaching for one year at a salary of $90 per month, at the close of which time he was prevailed upon to enter the ministry, and was a member of the Alabama conference for two years, in the Methodist Episcopal Church South; his first year on Randolph Circuit with three churches, second at Cahaba. He then returned to college, where he graduated as an M. D. at the Atlanta Medical College in 1874, after which he returned to Helena, Ala., and engaged in practicing, but remained only a short time, emigrating a few months later with his family to Arkansas, and settling at Dover, where he is still living. He purchased a farm near the town, also some town property, and as at that time there were few physicians in the country, his practice was necessarily large and has continued so up to the present time. During his career here he has devoted more or less attention to farming, being the owner of land during the entire time, and on his farm he has kept his sons usefully employed. In 1883 he entered into a copartnership with D. P. Ruff in the practice of medicine and surgery, and the sale of drugs and groceries, employing a man to look after the store, but this venture proved unprofitable and they sold their stock of goods but continued to be associated in their medical practice. Dr. Kirkscey is the owner of 160 acres of land, 110 of which are improved, and he is now erecting a good house thereon. He cultivates both cotton and corn, and this year has devoted thirty-five acres to cotton which promises an average yield. sixty-five acres are in corn and will yield an average crop, and in connection with his farming he raises a few horses and mules. His marriage, which occurred October 3, 1866, was to Miss Mary P.Grace, a daughter of G. B Grace of Choctaw, Ala., by whom he has four sons: Foster G. (born May 25, 1868, educated in the medical department of the Arkansas Industral University, is now practicing his profession at Athens, Tex., and was married on December 24, 1888, to Miss Addie Dupree of Athens), Madison L., (born December 2, 1869, and [p.239] is now teaching school in Johnson County, Ark.), Robert J. (born February 20, 1872), and Woodville J., (born on January 20, 1874). The Doctor with his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, with which church he united in 1856. He has been a local preacher in that church for the past twenty-two years, and has done much to aid the cause of Christianity. Socially he is a member of the A. F. & A. M. and the K. of P. and in his political views a Democrat, although he has never been what is called an active politician, preferring to give his time and attention to the practice of his calling. He is a liberal supporter of schools, churches, etc., and has always been a man of energy and determination of character. He has been a member of the State Medical Society since the year 1880, and has served on the committee on surgery or medicine every year until the present.

John P. Langford is a man well known to the people of this community, for he has resided here since 1828, and has been interested in every effort made for the progress and development of this section. He was born in Jackson County, Ala., December 14,1819, to Benjamin and Patsey Langford, who were born in South Carolina, in 1782 and 1780, respectively, moving from their native State to Tennessee after their marriage, and from there to Alabama, in 1819, and coming to Pope County, Ark., in 1828. This region was then still inhabited by the Indians, and the country was almost a complete wilderness, but Mr. Langford set to work immediately to clear a piece of land, and with the energy and perseverance which characterized the lives of so many of the brave and hardy pioneers

"He cut, he logged, he cleared his lot, And into many a dismal spot, He let the light of day."

On a pioneer farm, in Pope County, the subject of this sketch was reared to manhood, but owing to the newness of the country and the scarcity of good schools, his early advantages were very poor. He began making his own way in the world in 1840, and as he had been reared to farm life by his father, he determined to follow in the latter's footsteps, and to the successful pursuit of this calling has devoted his life. He was first married in February, 1843, to Eliza J. McCain, a daughter of W. G. and Mary McCain, and to them the following family of children was born: Benjamin F., William M. and George A. deceased, and Mary A. living. The mother of these children was called from the scene of her earthly labors in 1864, and in May, 1866, Mr. Langford was united in marriage to Miss Ann E. Waller, her parents being Isaac H. and L. V. Waller. Mr. Langford has always been a Democrat, and his sons have followed him in this respect. He has held the office of justice of the peace in this county for four years, and for many years he has been a strict member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, his wife being a worthy member of the Presbyterian Church. He has been postmaster of Scottsville, Ark., for some time, has proved an able official, and as a citizen, is worthy and honored. His father was probably the first justice of the peace in Pope County.

page 240

Ephraim Lemley, farmer, Appleton, Ark. Mr. Lemley was born in Fairfield District, S. C., in 1800, and is now ninety years of age. He is one of the oldest men, if not the oldest, residing in Pope County, and is one of its most esteemed and honored pioneers. He was left an orphan at an early day, and on that account his educational advantages were not of the best, but he has ever evinced a deep interest in all educational matters. He entered the War of 1812 as substitute, served during the years 1814 and 1815, and was in the battle of Talladega. He was in an East Tennessee company, commanded by Capt. John Howk. Mr. Lemley came to Morrillton, Ark., in 1838, settled in Griffen Township, and there he has remained ever since. When he first came here there were but few settlers, and he cut the first road from Atkins to Point remove. He and John Gray cut the first road from Atkins to Scottsville, the only road prior to that time being Indian trails. Lewisburg, consisting of one or two stores and a couple of houses, was the nearest town, and that was twenty-five miles distant. The present site of Russellville was then an unbroken wilderness, and [p.240] the settlers were obliged to go from thirty to thirty-five miles to mill. Hawkins Gregory, Duck Griffin, Mose McCarty and John Gray were some of the settlers at that time. There was no church, but ground was appropriated on the farm of Mr. Lemley, and sermons were occasionally preached. Game was plentiful, bears, wolves and panthers abounded, and hogs had to be confined in log pens to prevent them from being carried off by wild animals. There were no schools except where the settlers, living close together, would hire some man to give instruction for a short time during the year, but, as may be supposed, most of the children were reared without any education. When a house was to be built the whole community would turn out to be at the log rolling, and remain until all was finished. At that time court was held at Morrillton, and afterward at Dover, but no jail was necessary, for if an undesired neighbor made his appearance among them he was warned to leave, and this be generally did. Of the early settlers who lived in the neighborhood at that time all are dead and gone but our subject, who is now ninety years of age. He was married about 1818, and became the father of six children. After the death of his first wife he married again, and the fruits of this union were fifteen children; eleven of his children are now living. Mr. Lemley took up eighty acres of land in 1840, but afterward took up 460, of which be has given his children 200 acres in Griffin township, it being the same upon which he settled when first coming to the county. He has 120 acres under cultivation. A Baptist Church was established in 1844 or 1845, and a school, previous to this, in 1840. John Lankwood was the first preacher, and each of the neighbors contributed toward the expense of the school. Mr. Lemley's father was a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother of the Old Dominion. It can be said with truth of Mr. Lemley that

"He shunned not labor when it was due, He wrought with right good will; And for the home he won for them, His children bless him still."

William A. Martin, farmer, Potts Station, Ark. Mr. Martin, one of the substantial and progressive agriculturists of Pope County, Ark., first saw the light of day in Wayne County, Tenn., in the year 1843. His parents, Samuel N. and Rebecca (Lawson) Martin, were both natives of that State. The father removed from his native State to Pope County, Ark., in 1858, with his family, and is still living on the same place he purchased three miles from Russellville, when first coming to the State. The maternal grandparents of our subject lived and died in Tennessee. William A. Martin was principally reared in Arkansas, and in 1863 he enlisted in the Union Army under Col. M. L. Stevenson, Company D, Second Arkansas Infantry, and for the most part was on duty between Little Rock and Fort Smith. He was discharged at Clarksville in 1865, and returned home and engaged in tilling the soil. In November, 1868, he was married to Miss Rebecca C. Harkey, daughter of Isaac Harkey of Pope County, and to them have been born ten children, viz.: Martha J., Samuel I., Charles E., Lily May, Anna Bell, Clarence Garfield, Mary Cora, Hattie Frances, Jacob Alva and Homer Harrison, all single and living with their parents. Mr. Martin now owns 166 acres of land, has sixty-five acres under cultivation, and raises principally grain, cotton and some stock. He has been living on his present property since 1870, and although there were but six acres cleared at that time, he has since cleared up about sixty acres and has built a comfortable and tasty residence. He is making an effort to give his children good education. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. Mrs. Martin is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is an active worker in the same.

page 241

F. D. E. Montgomery. The estate which this gentleman is so successfully engaged in tilling comprises 300 acres, all of which is the result of his own honest and persistent endeavors, for on commencing the battle of life for himself at the age of fifteen years he possessed not a dollar. He was born in Monroe County, Ark., in 1838, his parents, John C., who was sheriff and county clerk nine years of Monroe County, Ark., and Matilda Montgomery being natives in Tennessee and Mississippi, respectively. The mother died at the [p.241] age of forty-two years and her husband when two years older. F. D. E. Montgomery moved to Conway County, Ark., in 1844 or 1845 and there remained until 1855, since which time he has been a resident of Pope County. His early schooling was of a very meager description for he began earning his own living when a mere youth, and although he has given much of his attention to farming, he has also been interested in merchandising, and his stock of goods now amounts to about $1,500. In both these enterprises he has met with well-deserved success, for he has been faithful to every detail of work and has, at all times, been perfectly upright with the public in his business transactions. In 1861 he was married to Miss Mary Jane Cheyna, a daughter of S. W. and E. Cheyna, natives of Kentucky and Tennessee, respectively, and to them the following children have been born: William F. (deceased), Mary E., Stephen C. (deceased), Dora K., John A. (deceased), Maud D., Leolen (deceased), Lattie B., Mervin, Leta and Ivy. In 1861 Mr. Montgomery enlisted in the Confederate Army, and in 1864 was discharged. He has always been a stanch Democrat, and is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He has been a constant and earnest worker in the Sunday-school the most of his life and has reared his family in the fear of the Lord. He has been superintendent of the Sunday-school for the past twenty-five years and has otherwise taken a deep interest in church work. He is a man whom all honor, and he has been a peaceful, law-abiding, and strictly honorable citizen; he fully merits the esteem of all.

page 242

Dr. William H. Montgomery, physician, Moreland, Ark. Dr. Montgomery, one of the many eminent practitioners in Pope County, who has ministered to the wants of the sick and afflicted of the county for many years, is the son of Thomas and Jane E. (Montgomery) Montgomery, the father born in Georgia about 1818, and the mother in North Carolina about 1822. The parents were married in Kentucky in 1842, and to them were born four children: William H. (born in 1847), Jane W. (born in October, 1850), Agnes (deceased, was born in 1854), and Florazella T. (wife of Z. B. Hedrick, was born in 1856, and is now deceased). Thomas Montgomery, the father of these children, followed farming all his life, and was a member of the Presbyterian Church. He died when comparatively a young man in 1858. The mother, who was a member of the same church, died in July, 1890. She removed from the Blue-Grass State with Dr. Montgomery, and settled in St. Charles County. There they resided until 1877, when they removed to Boone County, Ark. Dr. Montgomery was educated in Louisville, Ky., until about fifteen years of age, and received his early education under difficulties, being obliged to work his way. In 1867 he began studying medicine under Dr. Whitlock, of La Fayette, Ky., but studied principally with Solomon Johnson, whom he claims as his preceptor. He opened a drug store in Harrison, Boone County, in connection with Dr. Ruth, and afterward purchased that Doctor's interest, subsequently removing the stock to Jasper, Ark. He there began the practice of medicine. Although the Doctor has never attended college or taken a course of lectures he is a member of the State Eclectic Medical Association, also the National Association, both of which have conferred upon him honorary degrees and diplomas. Dr. Montgomery stands very high in the estimation of the medical brethren, and the success which has attended his efforts almost without exception proclaims him a man of more than ordinary notice. He has an extensive practice, and is frequently called in consultation in all parts of this county, where his opinion and decision carries great

weight. Dr. Montgomery was married to Miss Mary E. Markham, a native of Barren County, Tenn., in 1867, by "Old Preacher Woodward," as he was called, a man well known all over that section. To this union were born seven children, as follows: Susannah T. (born in 1879, now the wife of Alex Ray, of Pope County), Lavina W. (born in 1870, and the wife of A. C. Freeman, also residing in Pope County), Nancy Miami (born in 1872), L. D. (born in 1874), Ellen May (born in 1877, and died August, 1890), William J. (born in 1879), and Myrtle C. (born in 1883). Dr. W. H. Montgomery came to Pope County in 1884, purchased a farm of eighty acres, upon which he erected a house, [p.242] but his practice extending rapidly down the valley he purchased forty acres in Valley Township, whither he removed in 1889. His principal crops are corn, cotton and hay. His Valley Township land will yield three-fourths of a bale of cotton or thirty-five bushels of corn to the acre, while his Cross Plains farm will yield one-half bale of cotton or twenty bushels of corn to the acre. The same systematic condition of affairs about his home is apparent in his course as a man. Thorough in all that he does, he allows no worthy movement to drag for want of support if in his power to help it. Dr. Montgomery and wife, as well as all the children, are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Mason, and assisted in organizing and building up Cross Plains Lodge No. 484, having held principal offices in the lodge, and being chaplain at the present time. He was also a member of Eastern Star Lodge at Cross Plains, when it was first organized. He was elected school director of Jasper, Ark., a position he has held about eight years, and he takes decided interest in all educational matters. He was appointed postmaster at Jasper, Ark., and held this position two years, and resigned only on account of increasing practice. In the latter part of 1863 he enlisted in the Federal Army, and served about two years. He was in the battle of Knoxville, Atlanta, and in the First Salt works fight in Virginis, besides numerous skirmishes. He was captured at Knoxville and retained until 1864, when he was exchanged. He then returned to his company at Big Shanty, Ga. For meritorious conduct he received a furlough, and while home was captured by guerrillas, who took him to Tenneessee, where he was retained until 1865. He was wounded in the hip at Sandtown Ferry, Ga., and never received his discharge.

William G. Nordin. It was on December 7, 1880, in West Tennessee, that the subject of this sketch was ushered into life, and there he resided on a farm, receiving a limited education, until he was twenty-one years of age, at which time he began doing for himself. After renting a portion of his father's farm for one year he was married and immediately located on a farm which he had rented for four years, at the end of which time he came to Arkansas, and settled on a farm in the township where he is now living, which was then unimproved. After remaining on this land one year he made a purchase of some land near where the village of London now stands, on which he made his home until the breaking out of the Rebellion, when he enlisted in Company B, First Arkansas Cavalry, serving throughout the war and participating in the battles of Pea Ridge (where he was wounded) Corinth, Champion's Hill (where he was again wounded), and many engagements of less importance. He was taken prisoner at Vicksburg but was soon after paroled and returned to his home where he remained nearly a year, after which he rejoined his command. After the war was over he farmed on rented land for two years, after which he purchased the farm on which he is now residing, which at that time consisted of 200 acres. He has made other purchases from time to time and became the owner of about one section of land, but this he divided among his sons and now has 280 acres left. His property is finely improved, and the cultivated portion is devoted to the raising of cotton nd

corn. His marriage, which took place January 9, 1853, was to Miss Mary Ellen Cate, a daughter of Robert and Susan Cate, of Maury County, Tenn., who came to this county in 1859. Mr. Nordin and his wife have eight children: Susan A., N. B., S. E., J. R., W. L., G. W., M. A., and M. L.–four sons and four daughters. All are married except the youngest two daughters, and all reside near their father. The family attend the Christian Church, and Mr. Nordin is a member of the A. F. & A. M., and is a Democrat in politics. He is a liberal supporter of worthy enterprises and is a high-minded, whole souled gentleman.

page 243

Capt. P. W. Parker, farmer, Potts Station, Ark. What is usually termed genius has little to do with the success of man in general. Keen perception, sound judgment and a determined will, supported by persevering and continuous effort, are essential elements to success in any calling. Col. Parker, who is one of the substantial tillers of the soil in Pope County, is a fair example of what can be accomplished in the voyage of life when a [p.243] determined hand is at the helm. He was born in Union County, S. C., in January, 1825, and his parents, Silas R. and Martha (Aikin) Parker, were natives also of the Palmetto State. The Parkers are of English descent. Silas R. Parker removed with his family from South Carolina to Pops County, Ark, in 1858, and bought land there. To his marriage were born five sons and two daughters. The eldest son, Allison Parker, came to Arkansas two years prior to his father, and Elizabeth, the eldest daughter, came to this State three years before her father. She was married in South Carolina to Andrew K. Henry, and she and Capt. P. W. Parker are the only members of the family now living. The mother died in 1860, and the father died either in 1867 or 1868. Capt, P. W. Parker was married in 1862, to Miss Martha D. McArthur and they became the parents of seven children. The eldest died in infancy, the next, Lora Lee (deceased), Lulu E., William R., Louis D., Ninna C. (deceased), and Effie B. Capt. Parker, as he is usually called, is the owner of 162 acres of land in Pope County, and has eighty acres under cultivation. In June, 1861, he enlisted in the Confederate Army, Company B. Second Arkansas Cavalry, under Col. McIntosh, and on the organization of the company he was elected captain, serving as such until the organization of the regiment at Corinth. Being then over age he resigned and came home. In 1862 he organized the old men's company under Gen. Hindman, and then went into the regular service in Sherman's battalion as private, serving in that company until cessation of hostilities. His company was disbanded on Red River in Arkansas, but on account of the unsettled state of affairs he did not return to his home until August, 1865. When he did return home he found his farm in a very dilapidated condition, but this he soon remedied, and since then has been successfully engaged in tilling the soil. Capt. Parker held the commission as captain of Light Horse Company at Russellville, Ark., under Gov. Rector prior to the Rebellion. He was also appointed by Gov. Hughes to serve on the State board of equalization in 1886. Politically he is a Democrat. He and his estimable wife are members of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, and are esteemed and respected by all.

page 244

Capt. William M. Peeler, treasurer of Pope Co., was originally from the Palmetto State, where he was born in 1840, the eldest of five children of A. J. and Unity Peeler, both natives also of South Carolina. The father followed farming all his life and died in 1885. The mother died in 1852. Both were members of the Missionary Baptist Church. William M. Peeler became familiar with the arduous duties of the farm when a child, and, like the average country boy, received his education in the common schools. Miss S. A. Patrick, a native also of South Carolina became his wife in 1859, and the same year he started out for himself as a tiller of the soil. In the fall of that year he came to Arkansas, located in Pope County and in 1861 went to Yell county, where he bought a farm, In February, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, Whitfield's Legion, and was in the battle of Elk Horn. He was taken sick soon after this engagement and his command being ordered to cross the Mississippi River, he was unable to accompany it. After a time in the hospital and a short furlough, he joined Company H, Twenty-second Arkansas Regiment, was promoted to the rank of sergeant, and from that, step by step, until he received the commission of captain of the same company. He was in command of his company at Helens, also in the battle around Little Rock, and then went to the southern part of the State. After this he was in the Louisiana campaign, was in the quartermaster's department, and later his command returned to Arkansas, where it was engaged in all the battles of Central Arkansas. He joined the command on October 1, 1864, and surrendered at Marshall, Tex., at the close of hostilities. He came back to Pope County on June 18, 1865, and on the following day was working in the harvest field. He farmed on rented land for four years and then bought a farm of 400 acres in Yell County, near Danville, where he resided for five years. Returning then to Pope County he purchased a farm of 140 acres, two and one-half miles east of Russellville, and now has eighty-five acres under cultivation. He moved to Russellville about [p.244] 1880, and was book-keeper for J. M. Harkey & Bro., for about nine years. Since residing in Arkansas, the Captain has been quite active in political affairs, and was elected assessor in 1876, which position he filled until 1880. In 1888 he was elected treasurer, and re-elected in 1890, thus illustrating his popularity. He has been one of the leading citizens of Russellville and takes a deep and active interest in all laudable enterprises. He owns a pleasant residence and other town property. He was treasurer of the city for some time. Mrs. Peeler, who was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, died in 1884, and in 1886 the Captain married Miss Lavina R. Gray, a native of Tennessee. They had one child, who died, but the Captain has reared three orphan children. The family are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Peeler is a high Mason, belonging to the Blue Lodge No. 274, Chapter 76, and Palestine Commandery No. 7, K. T., all at Russellville. Capt. Peeler has been master of the Blue Lodge, treasurer of the Chapter, and is now banner bearer of the Commandery. He is also of the Order of Eastern Star Masons, of which he is secretary. He is a member of the K. of P. No. 47, Russellville, of which he is a past chancellor and represented the lodge in the Grand Lodge at Pine Bluff in 1889. He represented the Commandery in the Masonic Grand Conclave at Pine Bluff in 1888.

James P. Plott, farmer, Holly Bend, Ark. Mr. Plott owes his nativity to Tennessee, his birth occurring in Giles County in 1848, and is now following a calling that has for ages received individual efforts from many worthy individuals, and one that always furnishes sustenance to the ready worker. His parents, George and Margaret (Wilkerson) Plott, were born in Cabarrus County, N.C. They removed from that State to Tennessee, where they resided for several years and then, in 1872, they came to Pope County, Ark., settling in Holly Band. There the father died in 1889, at the ripe old age of eighty-two years. His widow still survives and is living with her son, William P., who besides our subject, is the only child she has living in Arkansas. William P. was married in 1888, to Miss Lulu Walraven, daughter of William Walraven, of Pope County. James P. Plott resides with his brother, William P., and still enjoys single blessedness. He is the owner of 315 acres of land, 105 acres under cultivation, in the Holly Bend of Arkansas River, and this is one of the finest tracts of land on the river. Mr. Plott came to Arkansas when twenty-four years of age, and in 1873 he went to Western Texas, where he was engaged in stock business for three years. He also ran a saloon in Sipe Springs, Comanche County, of that State for two years. He then returned to Pope County, Ark., where he is to-day one of the most successful and prosperous farmers.

page 245

Joseph Potts, farmer, Potts Station, Ark. The father of our subject, Kirkbride Potts, was born in the Keystone State but in his youthful days removed to New Jersey, and from there to Missouri in 1820. After residing in the last named State for a few years he came to Arkansas and was married there in February, 1828, to Miss Permelia Logan, a native of Wayne County, Mo. Their union resulted in the birth of nine children–seven sons and two daughters. The mother of these died in August, 1878, and the father in November of the next year, when seventy-six years of age. Joseph Potts, one of the above-mentioned children, was born November 27, 1831, in Pope County, Ark., and here he obtained his growth and received his education. During the war he enlisted in the Confederate Army, Capt. Scott's company, Brook's battalion of cavalry, and his first engagement was at Elkhorn, Ark. After that he was sent east of the Mississippi River, and was wounded and captured at the bloody battle of Corinth. He was sent to Vicksburg and exchanged in 1863. After this he was sent to the hospital at Clinton, Miss., where he remained three weeks and was then sent to Grenada to join his command. He was in the battle at Baker's Creek, and he and his whole command were captured the next day at Black River. They were put on boats, sent up the Mississippi River, and when about twenty miles above Memphis, during the night, he and his brother, Richard, and another man, jumped overboard and swam ashore. Thus Mr. Potts made his escape and made his way to Pope County, Ark., where he remained until [p.245] September, 1863, or until Dardanelle was captured by the Federal troops. He then joined the Confederate Army in Perry County, Ark., and was in the Mark's Mill engagement under Gens. Fagan, Shelby and Marmaduke against Gen. Steele of the United States Army. His command was disbanded at Arkadelphia, and after surrendering at Little Rock, he returned home in June, 1865. He began farming and in this occupation he continued until 1872, since which time he has been station agent and postmaster at Potts Station. He still owns his farm of 200 acres and of this he has 125 acres under cultivation. He is now fifty-eight years of age and is single in life. He is a Democrat in politics and has always been a liberal contributor to schools, churches and, in fact, to all enterprises for the good of his country.

James Potts, assistant cashier of the Citizen's Savings Bank at Russellville, Ark., was born at Galls Creek, now Potts Station, in this county in 1847, and was the tenth in a family of eleven children, born to the union of Kirkbride and Permelia A. (Logan) Potts, the father a native of Pennsylvania and the mother of Missouri. The elder Potts was a descendant of one of the old and highly-esteemed families of Pennsylvania where many are still living. The father was reared in New Jersey, went to Illinois when seventeen years of age, from there to Missouri, and in 1828 to Arkansas, where he settled in Pope County on the same 160 acres he made his home for fifty years. He was a very active citizen and at one time was a Government agent in the transfer of Indians from Arkansas to the Nation. He established the post-office of Galla Creek, and was postmaster from that time until his death. The post-office is now changed to Potts Station. He made three trips to California, the first for gold in 1849, and twice drove stock to California from this State. He kept a hotel and stage stand, cleared about 200 acres of a good farm, and besides was the owner of other land at the time of his death which occurred in 1878. He had limited educational advantages, attending school only three months, but he was a close observer and student, and thus became a well-informed man. He was one of the best known men in the State. The mother died in 1877, Two of their children died in infancy before the birth of our subject, and two sons were killed in the Confederate Army. After this, for fifty years, there were no deaths in the family. James Potts became familiar with the duties of farm life at an early age, received a primary education in the common schools, and finished the same by attending Hamilton College in Kentucky. He began life as a surveyor, serving in that capacity in Pope County for nine years, and in 1882 was elected county clerk, which position he filled in a creditable manner for six years. In 1890 he engaged in the banking business and is a thoroughly capable and experienced banker. He was married in 1877 to Miss Ada Bradley, a native of this county and the daughter of John M. Bradley, a pioneer of North Carolina. To this union ware born six interesting children: Loraine, Le Vanche, Sallie, Jim, Grace and Mary.

Dr. J. H. Potts, physician, Atkins, Ark. Dr. Potts, whose face is familiar in the homes of the sick and afflicted of Pope County, was born at Galla Creek, in 1849, and is the youngest living child born to Kirkbride and Permelia A. (Logan) Potts. [For further particulars of parents see sketch of James Potts.] He entered the medical department of the University of Louisville, Ky., in 1873, and graduated from the same two years later. He at once located in Atkins, where he was among the first physicians. He was married in 1879, to Miss Lucy Williamson, of Missouri, and the fruits of this union have been three children: Joe, Clara and an infant, named Tennie. Dr. Potts is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Galla Rock Lodge No. 172, Atkins Chapter No. 77, and is secretary of the last. He is a practical and very successful agriculturist, is very public spirited, and is ever ready to advance any good cause. In his profession he has been very successful, and has built up a paying practice, which is steadily on the increase. He is pleasant and agreeable in his manners, and is a gentleman one desires to meet. He is the owner of an excellent farm of 280 acres, and has 140 acres of this under cultivation. He also has a comfortable home in Atkins.

page 246

[p.246] W. H. Poynter has passed the uneventful life of a farmer, and has continued steadily to "pursue the even tenor of his way" until he is now ranked among the leading men of his calling in Pope County. He possesses advanced and progressive views regarding agricultural affairs, and has always been very desirous of keeping out of the beaten path in which his forefathers trod. He was born in this county, September 8, 1847, and in the town of Dover, in and about his father's hotel, he was reared to manhood. He enlisted in the Confederate service in 1863, joining Company A, Hill's regiment, Cabel's brigade, and was in several hard battles, among which were Poison Springs, Mark's Mill, Prairie de Ann and others. At the close of the war he returned to his home in Dover, and as his father had died during the Rebellion, he began working at the carpenter's trade, in order to support his younger brothers and sisters, which business he followed until 1876. In 1872 he purchased thirty-three acres of land, lying one mile from Dover, which he improved, by clearing it of timber and reducing it to a state of cultivation, and this start formed the nucleus to what is now a substantial fortune. As his means increased he continued to purchase land in the county, and at one time was the owner of at least 1,200 acres. He now owns 600 acres, principally in the valley, of which 325 are in a good state of cultivation, and is valued at $10,000. He has the finest residence in the township, consisting of a handsome, two-story frame building, and containing ten rooms. He also has large and commodious barns and other buildings, and his principal crops are corn and cotton, of which he has a large and promising crop. His marriage to Miss Dosie Tucker occurred January 27, 1869, she being a daughter of Russell Tucker, of Dover. Their union has resulted in the birth of the following children: Sallie C. (who has been attending the Searcy Female College, and has already obtained a good scientific education; she is an accomplished musician, and during her vacation is giving instruction on the piano to quite a large class), Della is next in order of birth, then comes Anna, Sidney, Nora and Guy. One child, Maudie May, died when about four months old. The family worship in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Poynter is a Democrat in politics.

page 247

J. A. Rachel is another example of what energy, industry and perseverance, when intelligently applied, will accomplish in connection with agriculture. He was born in Virginia on May 10, 1834, to Alexander and Mary (Wren) Rachel, the latter a distant relative of Christopher Wren. The parents were also Virginians, and the father was born about 1787, and was there afterward married. To them eight children were born, of whom J. A. was the fifth child, and five of the family are now living: E. A., E. G., Martha J., Elizabeth and J. A. Those deceased are William A., Sarah and Lucy-The father of these children was a participant in the War of 1812, and about 1837 moved from Virginia to North Carolina, where he made his home until his death in 1882. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as was his wife, who died in 1854. J. A. Rachel emigrated to Arkansas in 1854, and settled in Pope county, where he was married November 7, 1867, to Miss Martha A. Shinn, whose birth occurred in this county December 2, 1843. She is a daughter of John and Malinda (Harkey) Shinn, and has borne her husband the following children: Dora M., Nora E., Walter, Edward, Cora M., William E. (deceased), and two that died unnamed. In 1862 Mr. Rachel joined the Confederate Army, enlisting in Company H, Hill's regiment, Cabel's brigade, and served until the war closed, when he returned home, and began working at the blacksmith and wagon-making business, having previously learned the trade at Jackson's Hill, N. C., in 1852. By industry and good management Mr. Rachel has become the owner of 485 acres of land, his home place consisting of 245 acres, with seventy-five acres under cultivation, forty acres of the other tract being under the plow. He has an orchard of about 100 apple trees on his home place, and about 600 trees on his other farm, besides a good many peach trees and a fair sized vineyard. On the farm on which he is residing is a twenty-two-inch vein of coal, but it has never been developed. Mr. Rachel has served three years as deputy sheriff of the county, and socially [p.247] he is a member of Dover Lodge No. 17, of the A. F. & A. M. His wife is a member of the Christian Church.

John A. Rankin is accounted a prosperous farmer, and like the majority of the native-born residents of this county he is progressive in his views and of an energetic temperament. He was born on March 5, 1844, to W. W. and F. (Davidson) Rankin, the former a native of Tennessee, and the latter of Virginia. They were married in the latter State, and became the parents of four sons and three daughters, of whom the following are living: John R., William H. (see biography), J. H., Sarah, Mary E. (wife of J. C. Keogle), and Martha and Alex. (deceased). Mr. Rankin removed to Arkansas about 1830, and in Pope County, Ark., followed farming until his death, which occurred in 1874. He was a member of the Old School Presbyterian Church, was sheriff of the county when he first settled here, and was a soldier in the Mexican War. His wife died in 1881, a member of the same church as himself. John R. Rankin was brought up to a knowledge of farm life by his father, and this has been his chief calling up to the present time. He has a fine tract of farming land comprising 342 acres, of which 215 are in a good state of cultivation, and on this he erected in 1884 a large frame residence, and this handsome home, with its beautiful surroundings, makes a desirable place of abode. In 1872 Miss Exaline Albright, a Tennesseean, born in 1852, became his wife, which marriage has resulted in the birth of seven children: Macey, Mary J., Lawrence, Lener, Mattie, Nora and Pearl. In 1862 Mr. Rankin enlisted in Company C, Arkansas Cavalry, serving as a private soldier in the Confederate Army until 1865. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and his wife is a member of the Old School Presbyterian Church.

page 248

W. H. Rankin, a prominent planter and a member of the firm of Rankin & Rodgers, liverymen at Russellville, was born three and a half miles west of Russellville, in 1846, and was the sixth of seven children born to the marriage of W. W. and F. (Davidson) Rankin, the father a native of Tennessee and the mother of Virginia. The grandparents on both sides were from Ireland, and the paternal grandfather was a pioneer of Tennessee. W. W. Rankin was a successful agriculturist, and was one of the earliest pioneers of Arkansas, having emigrated to that State in 1832. He located in Pope County, entered land near the mouth of Illinois Bayou, and carried on agricultural pursuits until about 1850. Two years later he went to California, followed mining for three years and was quite successful. In 1855 he returned to Arkansas, and the following year returned to the Golden State with a herd of cattle. The same year he came back to Arkansas, and in 1857 made another trip to California, with cattle. Few people realize the hardships of these trips across the plains. Returning to Pope County, Mr. Rankin bought another farm near Russellville and there made his home until his death. At the outbreak of the war he enlisted in Capt. Scott's company, and was in the battle of Pea Ridge or Elk Horn, where his horse was shot from under him, and falling, crippled him. He then came home, but after a time joined again, but was soon discharged on account of disability. He died on January 13, 1874, and the mother died on March 17, 1880. During the entire time of this worthy pioneer's life in Arkansas he was active in all worthy enterprises, and was a worthy Democrat, doing much for that party. He was elected the second sheriff of the county. He and wife were members of the Old School Presbyterian Church. On the mother's side two brothers came to Pope County, Ark.: Sam and Bob Davidson. The latter settled at and bought the Dwight Missionary Station, four miles west of town. There he was postmaster until 1852, and for a time that was the only post-office in the county. He died on the plains in 1852, while on his way to California. W. H. Rankin was reared in Pope County and had but limited educational advantages, growing up during the war, when schools were obliterated in that county. He began for himself when twenty-one years of age as a farmer on rented land, and followed this until 1874, when he bought a farm of 80 acres, bottom land, to which he has added and now owns 240 acres, with 53 acres in the uplands and 220 [p.248] acres under cultivation. This is one of the best farms in this section and all about the place indicates that the owner is a man of judgment and progressive spirit. In 1884 he moved to Russellville, where he has since erected a comfortable and commodious house. In 1887 he bought out the livery stable of the town, and has since been running the same. He is the owner of of twenty-five head of horses, and has suitable vehicles, etc., for the use of the public. He keeps a good barn and is doing an excellent business. By his marriage, which occurred in 1870, to Miss Maggie Oates, daughter of Franklin Oates, an old settler of this region, there were born seven in. teresting children: Lillie, Nannie, Fannie, Ruth, Elbert Hill, Frank and Thomas. Mr. Rankin and family are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr. Rankin has shown his appreciation of secret organizations by becoming a member of the K. of P., No. 44, and the K. of H.

Thomas P. Rood, pioneer planter, is well and favorably known to the majority of the residents of this locality, for he has been a resident of this section since 1857, and has been prominently identified with the farming interests hereabouts. He was born in North Carolina on August 7, 1823 to Coonrod and Martha (Love) Reed, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Virginia. They were married in the former State, the father following the occupation of farming there, and their union was blessed in the birth of four sons and four daughters, of which family three are now living: H. C., Thomas P. and Nancy (widow of W. A. Cayle). John, Elizabeth, James, Mary and Martha are deceased. The father of this family passed to his long home in 1833, and he and his wife, who died in 1855, were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Thomas P. Reed was married in North Carolina in 1844 to Miss Matilda Love, a native of the Old North State, but in 1861 he was called upon to mourn the death of his wife, she having borne him four children: Sandy, Martha (wife of B. Berryman), Susan (wife of William Harvill), and Milas (at home). In 1862 Mr. Reed enlisted in the Confederate Army, becoming a member of Company F, and was in the cavalry until the close of the war. He was married again in 1862, his second wife being Mrs. Mary I. Winfield, widow of E. B. Winfield, by whom she became the mother of one son, George. Two children have been born to her union with Mr. Reed: Lenna (wife of W. R. Bowen), and Albert W. Mr. Reed is the owner of 135 acres of land, forty of which are under cultivation. He held the office of justice of the peace of this township for several terms, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. His farm is now well improved, and his principal crops are cotton and corn.

page 249

William J. Reynolds, assistant cashier of the People's Exchange Bank at Russellville, was born in Pope County, Ark., in 1846, and was the second of ten children born to William and Josinor (Matthews) Reynolds, both natives of Tennessee. The parents came to Arkansas in 1839, and are still residents of this State, living at Atkins. William J. Reynolds was educated in the common schools of this county, and when twenty-one years of age, started out to fight his way in life as a merchant, engaging in business with his father at Dover. They continued in business at that place until 1871, under the title William Reynolds & Son, and then moved to Atkins, where they continued for three years. Our subject then became assistant station agent and operator at Russellville, continued in that capacity for five years, and then was at Clarksville one year, filling the same position. After this he returned to Pope County, and in the fall of 1880 was elected circuit and county clerk, which office he held for one term (two years). He was then station agent until 1885, and was then appointed postmaster at Russellville, continuing in that position until May, 1889. In March of the following year, on the organization of the above mentioned bank, he was elected to his present position. Mr. Reynolds was married on the eighteenth of April, 1871, to Miss Sarah R. Lewis, a native of Tennessee, and the daughter of Dr. J. O. Lewis, who came to Pope County in 1859, dying here the following year. Mr. Reynolds is a member of the various degrees of Masonry, Blue Lodge No. 274, Chapter No. 76 and Palestine Commandery [p.249] No. 7, all of Russellville. He has been secretary of the chapter for nine years, and recorder of the commandery for five years. He owns a neat cottage in Russellville which he erected in 1889, and is one of the representative citizens. He has been a member of the Board of Aldermen of many years.

Ben K. Rodgers, Jr., is the junior member of the firm of J. B. Evans & Co., dealers in general merchandise at Russellville, Ark. This firm is well known and highly honored throughout this section, for the members composing it are men of principle, who endeavor at all times to follow the teachings of the Golden Rule. Mr. Rodgers was born in West Point, White County, Ark., November 3, 1868, and with his parents emigrated to this county when twelve years of age, the former being a successful dealer in general merchandise. It may truly be said that the subject of this sketch was reared to mercantile life, for, as soon as old enough he was put to work in the store, and on this account did not receive much schooling. At the age of thirteen years he left home by consent of his parents, and from that time up to the present has been doing for himself. He entered a store in Little Rock, as cash boy, which position he filled for thirteen months, at the end of which time he came to Russellville and obtained a position as clerk in the grocery store of P. L. Bottoms & Son, where he remained one year, then entered the general mercantile establishment of Humphrey & Evarts, in which he was a clerk for four years. Since that time he has been a junior member of the firm. Upon Mr. Humphrey selling his interest in the store, the other members of the firm purchased this interest, and now do an annual business of $20,000. They are also extensive cotton dealers, shipping annually about 800 bales. In addition to this, Mr. Rodgers is associated with Mr. Rankin in the livery business, under the firm name of Rankin & Rodgers, theirs being the only establishment of the kind within a number of miles. They keep an excellent class of horses and vehicles, and their annual business amounts to between $4,000 and $5,000. Mr. Rodgers was married on August 15, 1889, to Miss Minnie Rye of Fort Smith, Ark., a daughter of J. C. Rye, one of the prominent grocers at that place. Mr. Rodgers has never joined any church, but his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of this place. He is a Democrat, and socially belongs to Lodge No. 535, of the K. & L. of H. of this place, in which he holds the office of treasurer. He is one of the self-made men of the county, and is a very prominent and enterprising young business man. He has the respect of all who know him, and has established a reputation for square dealing which has become widespread. He is liberal in his support of worthy enterprises.

page 250

R. F. Roys is the junior member of the well-known and highly honored hardware firm of Love & Roys Hardware Company, of Russellville, Ark. He was born in Kinmundy, Marion County, Ill., January 29, 1867, and when a small lad came with his parents to this State. His father, N. B. Roys, was a hardware merchant and reared his son to a thorough knowledge of this business, although he gave him very meager educational advantages. At the age of twelve years he was obliged to leave school and take charge of the business left by his father, who had died, and he, at that early age, not only assumed charge of the business but also the care of the family fell upon his boyish shoulders, and manfully did he endeavor to heartily discharge every duty that fell upon him. He continued to conduct the business in his mother's name until about four years since, when the business was closed out, the following year being devoted to bringing affairs to a satisfactory termination, and in closing out the milling and lumber business which he had taken up in connection with hardware some three years before. During the following year he was traveling salesman for Bridge & Beach Manufacturing Company of St. Louis, Mo., but during that time was intent on finding a location where he might once more resume the hardware business, this time for himself, and finally settled at Russellville, purchasing out the firm to whom he had sold his former stock, and at the same time formed a partnership with Mr. Love. In the spring of 1890 they formed a joint stock company, and are now doing business under the firm name mentioned above. [p.250] Their annual sales amount to some $40,000, and they are accounted among the most successful firms of the city. Mr. Roys is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and also belongs to the K. of P. of this place. He is liberal in his support of churches, schools and all worthy public enterprises, and he and his wife, whom he married in October, 1889, are noted for their hospitality and liberality. She was a Miss Slocum, of Wisconsin, who was one of the teachers in the schools of this place. Mr. Roy's mother and his younger sister live with him, and his home, which is a pleasant and comfortable one, is in the west part of the city. His most worthy wifewas born in the State of New York, January 11, 1870, a daughter of B. F. Slocum.

Dr. D. P. Ruff, Jr., is a prominent member of the medical firm of Kirkscey & Ruff, of Dover, Ark., and was born in Searcy County of this State, in 1852, being a son of D. P. Ruff, Sr., a physician and farmer. On the farm belonging to the latter, the subject of this sketch resided until he was seventeen years of age, and although his opportunities for early education were rather limited, he, by close application and industry, obtained sufficient education for teaching in the public schools of his native county, and used the salary thus obtained to gain a better education, being an attendant of the Academy at Bellefonte, Boone County. Ark. After leaving there he taught another term of school, after which he entered the store of Ellenburg & McDowell, dealers in general merchandise at Marshall, Ark., in which business he was engaged for about two years. During this time his leisure moments were devoted to the study of medicine under the instruction of Dr. Wilson, and after leaving the store he devoted his entire time to this acionce for one year. He then went to Richland, Ark., where he formed a co-partnership with Dr. B. F. Stephens, and at that place his practice was begun. After this partnership had lasted about eight months Dr. Ruff entered Vanderbilt University of Nashville, Tenn., and after attending a course of lectures in the medical department he returned to Richland and again began practicing. Eight months later he became a student in the University of Tennessee, at Nashville, and from this institution he was graduated in 1878. The following five years were spent at Richland, but since that time he has been one of the able and talented physicians of Dover, having already formed a partnership with Dr. Kirkscey as mentioned above. He is in the full sense of the word a self-made man, for he has never had help given him that he has not fully repaid. He has a good reputation as a physician and surgeon, and has made his medical practice a success. By his endeavors he has accumulated quite a fine property, and besides his fine residence has thirty-two acres adjoining in the eastern part of the town, other town property, and a small tract of land lying about four miles from Dover in Liberty Township. He devotes some attention to the raising of horses and cattle. He was married on November 7, 1878, to Miss Minnie Truett, of Richland, Ark., she being a daughter of H. M. and Elizabeth Truett, and by her he has two sons: Samuel Wirt (born May 9, 1881), and David Henry (born March 18, 1886). The Doctor has always been a Democrat, and is a member of the Masonic order of Dover. He takes an interest in school work, holding the position of director in the town schools, and is liberal in his support of churches as well as all other enterprises of a public nature. He is a member of the State Medical Association. From 1858 to 1861, when he was from six to ten years of age, he was afflicted with a diseased condition of the ear to such an extent that he was not able to attend school, and the war then coming on kept him from school for the following four years, which accounts for his educational disadvantages in early life. On entering school in 1865 he was unable to read, but this state of things did not last long, for he was ambitious and was possessed with a strong desire to become an intelligent man, and made the most of his opportunities. He is one of five sons and two daughters born to Dr. D. P. and Keziah (Smith) Ruff.

page 251

William S. Rushing, a son of Burrell Rushing, is one of the most successful farmers of Martin Township, Pope County, Ark., and was here born March 2, 1858. He attended the common schools in [p.251] his youth, and at the age of twenty-one years began doing for himself, his time being devoted to tilling the soil on rented land in the neighborhood. At that time he had a small pair of mules, given him by his father, and 5 cents in money, this being his only capital with which to begin the journey of life. The following fall he bought a piece of land consisting of 200 acres, and on this paid what he could from his summer's work, giving his notes for the balance of purchase money. He has prospered well, and is now the owner of the place, free from all incumbrance. He has seventy acres under cultivation, which are improved by good buildings and an excellent apple and peach orchard. He has interested himself in the raising of cattle and hogs, and takes great interest in keeping up with the times in his mode of farming and the improvement of his place. He was married November 29, 1879, to Miss Isabel Latimer, daughter of Isom P. Latimer, of Howard County, Ark., by whom he has three children: William Odus, Joseph Claud and Nettie Maden. The family are members in good standing of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, in which he holds the office of elder, and politically he is a Democrat. He has always been a great reader, and aims to keep fully posted on the affairs of church and state, and is liberal in his support of churches, schools and other public enterprises. His father, Burrell Rushing, was born October 25, 1815 in Middle Tennessee, and in the spring of 1835 came to Pope County, Ark., where he bought and improved a large tract of land. He was married in January, 1843, to Miss Mary Hays, a daughter of John Hays of this county, but she died in 1848, leaving two sons and one daughter. Mr. Rushing was remarried in 1850 to Amanda Maloy, by whom he has had six children, two being now deceased. Mr. Rushing served in the Indian War in Florida, in 1836, for six months. He is one of the thrifty farmers of the county, and is the owner of 200 acres of land, thirty acres of which he cultivates himself and devotes to corn and cotton. He has for many years been a deacon in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and politically he is a Democrat.

page 252

Hon. Lawrence Russell, representative to the General Assembly, from Pope County, Ark., and one of the leading attorneys of Russellville, was born in that town in August, 1855, and was the youngest of eleven children born to Dr. Thomas and Mary Ann (Graham) Russell, the father a native of England and the mother of Pennsylvania. Dr. Thomas Russell, the founder of Russellville, was born in the parish of Gateshead, in the county of Durham, England, on June 13, 1801, and was the son of John and Hannah Russell. After enjoying the advantages of some of the literary institutions of England, in which he acquired considerable classical knowledge, he served an apprenticeship of five years under Dr. Thomas Mitchell, who was a member of the Royal College of Surgeons in London. In 1825 he entered Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospitals, London, and from those institutions he received numerous certificates for attendance upon lectures and for proficiency in the various departments. He succeeded in carrying off the first two prizes; namely: The demonstrator's prize and the prize in midwifery. In 1826 he graduated in the Royal College of Surgeons, London, and thereby became a member of that body. After traveling extensively in the continental countries of Europe, he came to America, in 1829, settled near Carlyle, Ill., where his three brothers, James, Edward and John Russell, had preceded him, and was there married in 1832 to Miss Mary A. Graham. In search of a new home and a milder climate he came to Arkansas, and located in the Arkansas River Valley in 1835, one year prior to the admission of the State into the Union. He was eminently successful, both as a physician and surgeon, performing surgical operations that baffled the skill of others. In 1861, when the Civil War began, he had acquired considerable property, but the reater part of this was swept away during that memorable period. He continued an active practitioner until the spring of 1866, when he was stricken with pneumonia, which caused his death on the 13th of April of that year. He was a man of strong will, remarkable memory and vigorous intellect. There now survive him four sons, all of whom reside in Russellville, except [p.252] Albert Russell, who is at Alamo, Lower California; James W. and Thomas J. Russell are engaged in merchandising, and our subject, who is one of the rising young lawyers of the State. The mother's people were from Pennsylvania, and emigrated to Texas at an early date. Hon. Lawrence Russell received his literary education in his native town and at the State University at Fayetteville, where be graduated in 1880 with the degree of A. B. In the sophmore year he took a silver medal for the second best prize for declamation, and in the junior year a gold medal, the only prize offered for orntory, for best original oration. Mr. Russell began the study of law in the fall of 1880, read in the law office of Carter & Wilson, and was licensed to practice in the fall of 1883. Since that time he has been engaged principally in the practice of his profession. He wont to Texas in the winter of 1884-35, but returned to his native town in the spring of 1885. He has been quite active in politics, assisted in the canvass of this county for the national and county licket, in 1888, and in the summer of 1890 was nominated by the Democratic party for the office of repreaontative, being elected September 1, of that year. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, is superintendent of the Sabbath school, and has been a Sunday-school worker for a number of years. He was elected prenident of the North west Arkansas Sundayschool Association in 1887, and served for two years, being re-elected in 1888. He is also a worker for the cause of education, and was elected a member of the school board in the spring of 1880. Mr. Russell owns a farm and town property and the old homestead. He is a member of the K. of P., Russellville Lodge No. 47, and ****s the office of vice chancellor. The Arkansas Democrat, a paper published at the capitol of the State, has this to say of Mr. Russell: "Mr. Lawrence Russell, the Democratic nominee for the Legislature from this (meaning Pope) County, was born and raised in Pope. His father, Dr. Russell, was one of the prominent men of that region during the war. The family has always been true to Arkansas, and among the first in every enterprise for its development. Lawrence Russell is a graduate of the Arkansas Industrial University, a rising lawyer, a Christian gentleman and an orator of no mean repute."

page 253

John J. Rye is a well-known planter and cotton-ginner of Pope County, Ark., and his present substantial position in life has been attained entirely through his own efforts. He first saw the light of day in this county in 1839, being born to Christian and P. C. Rye, who were Tennesseeans. The father was a planter by occupation, and he and his wife were married in their native State, their union resulting in the birth of ten children, seven of whom are living at the present time: W. T., Mary C. (wife of J. W. Russell), Levina, (wife of J. C. Bonds), John J., Harriet (wife of Alex Bringle), Samuel H., Robert G., and the following children deceased: Eliza A., Stephen and Maggie G. Mr. Rye emigrated from Tennessee to Arkansas, in 1845, and until a short time before his death, which occurred in California, of mountain fever, in 1853, he resided on the farm of 160 acres which he at first purchased. He was deputy sheriff and sheriff of Pope County for some time. His wife, who was an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, died in 1882. John J. Rye was brought up to the life of a farmer, and has made this his chief calling through life. By the unstinted use of his faculties he has become the owner of 490 acres of land, with 350 under cultivation, on which he erected a fine steam cotton-gin in 1889, in which he put new and improved

machinery in 1890. He was married in 1863, to Miss Sarah A. Bonds, by whom he became the father of the following children: Charles, Peggy, Eliza, Joshua, Tristram, William E. and Cleveland. The mother of these children died in 1887, and the following year Mr. Rye was married to his present wife, her name being Mrs. Sue H. Porter, whose birth occurred in this county, in 1863. Mr. Rye was a soldier in the Rebellion, enlisting in 1861, in Company A, First Arkansas Cavalry, and took part in the battles of Pea Ridge, Shiloh, Iuka, Farmington, Corinth, Grand Gulf, Baker's Creek, Black River, Vicksburg, Mark's Mill, Saline, and a number of skirmishes. He was wounded by a cannon ball at Baker's Creek, and in the right side by [p.253] a piece of shell at Vicksburg. After the war was over he returned home, and engaged in farming, to which calling he has since given his attention. He is a member of Russellville Lodge of the A. F. & A. M., and Russellville Lodge No. 47 of the K. of P. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are well known for their hospitality, liberality and kindness of heart, throughout this region.

Samuel H. Rye is one of the most successful and prominent farmers of the township in which he lives if not in the county. He was born near his present place of abode March 10, 1849, to Tristram and Peggy (Drummond) Rye, the former going to California in 1853, in which State he died in the spring of that year. He was a farmer, and on going to California left his wife, with ten children, to conduct the farm, and after rearing this family to honorable manhood and womanhood she died in 1880. When nineteen years of age Samuel H. Rye began doing for himself by renting land on the farm he now owns, and in connection with two brothers purchased a fine piece of land, containing 320 acres, upon which he settled. After improving fifteen acres he sold his place and purchased a portion of his present farm, being now the owner of 560 acres, of which 350 acres are under fence and the greater portion in a good state of cultivation. His crops consist mostly of cotton and corn, but he also raises considerable wheat, oats, millet and potatoes with very good success. He is interested in stock-raising, and is trying to work into a better grade of stock, especially hogs. He has a good frame residence, besides all other necessary farm buildings, and has also six good tenement houses on his place, with necessary buildings surrounding. His marriage, which took place in 1870, was to Miss Mattie M. Brown, a daughter of John and Laura Brown of this county, and by her Mr. Rye is the father of six children: R. E., Albert, Nannie, Ella, Stella and Harvey. Mr. Rye was made a Mason at the age of twenty-one years, and is now a member of Silex Lodge in this township, and is also lecturer of the local Farmers' Alliance. Politically he is a Democrat. At one time, in 1872-73, he paid $4,000 as security for an acquaintance who was in the mercantile business, and in the year 1880 he met with the loss of his house and all his household goods by fire. He had no insurance, and everything to the value of $2,000 was a total loss. Notwithstanding these misfortunes he has been successful, for he is an able financier and is industrious and economical.

page 254

A. M. Sasbee is a merchant residing in Mill Creek Station, Ark., but he was born in the Lone Star State, June 18, 1838, to Elias and Tempey A. (Clark) Sasbee, who were born, reared and married in Georgia, becoming the parents of six children, three of whom are now living: A. M., W. J. and Lafayette. John W., J. M. and Sarah E. are deceased. The father of these children was a farmer, and in 1841 emigrated from his native State to Texas, and in this State was residing at the time of his death in 1852. His widow died in 1871, and both were members of the Missionary Baptist Church. A. M. Sasbee was married on November 30, 1867, to Miss Sarah E. Shinn, a native of this county, born January 20, 1849, a daughter of John E. and Malinda (Harkins) Shinn, and in time a family of ten children gathered about their board, their names being as follows: James M., Dora A., Mary L., John W., Charles W., Minnie M., Robert S., Jesse H. Sadie and Joseph A. Thinkingto better his condition Mr. Sasbee removed from Texas to Arkansas in 1867, and in 1886 took up his abode in Pope County, and has since been engaged in merchandising in Mill Creek Station, but prior to coming here was engaged in farming. He is the owner of 1,940 acres of land, sixty acres of which are under the plow, and in a good state of cultivation. He carries a stock of general merchandise amounting to $2,500, and owing to his many sterling business principles has built up a good trade. He is a member of Dover Lodge No. 17 of the A. F. & A. M., the K. of H., and Russellville Lodge No. 47 of the K. of P. He and his wife are members of Missionary Baptist Church and he is a Democrat politically, and has been postmaster of Santos since 1886, being appointed under Cleveland. Although he has handed in his resignation twice it has never been accepted, for [p.254] he is one of the leading men of this section, perfectly capable, and always prompt and accurate in the discharge of his duties.

page 255

Capt. John R. Homer Scott, a highly esteemed and respected citizen of Pope County, was born in St. Genevieve, Mo., October 16, 1813, but was taken to Arkansas in 1819, when but six years of age. He comes of one of the most distinguished families of this country, and is spoken of as a "gentleman of the old school." Among his early friends, and some of them his schoolmates, were C. F. M. Noland, who killed William F. Pope (Capt. Scott's college mate, and nephew of Gov. John Pope) in a duel, Judge George C. Watkins (chief justice of the Supreme Court of Arkansas), James Scull, Robert Cunningham, William E. Ashley, Thomas W. Newton (representative in Congress for Arkansas), Gordon N. Peay, C. C. Danley, B. F. Danley (sheriff of Pulaski County, Ark.), and Robert W. Johnson (United States senator). His father, Hon. Andrew Scott, who was appointed United States judge, of the Territory of Arkansas, was reared in St. Genevieve, and as judge went from there to Arkansas, at the organization of the Territory in 1819. He was a brother of John Scott, who was brother-in-law of the Hon. George W. Jones, and father of G. S. C. Scott, and father also of Mrs. Ben H. Campbell and Mrs. J. Russell Jones, of Chicago, Ill. His birth occurred on August 6, 1789, in Hanover County, Va., and he went with his father, Andrew Scott, and his brother, John Scott, to St. Genevieve, Mo., in 1808. He was married in Potosi, Washington County, Mo., to Miss Eliza Jones, sister of Gen. George W. Jones, and daughter of John Rice Jones, who was one of the judges of the Superior Court of Missouri, and who was an eminent lawyer. Her father figured largely as such, and as a purchaser of the Spanish land grants, his name being frequently found in the reports of the United States General Land Office, at Washington City. Mrs. Scott died at Scotia farm, in Pope County, Ark., where she was buried on April 5, 1835. Judge Scott died at the home of Elijah Truitt, at Norristown, on March 13, 1851, and was buried in Dover Cemetery, in Pope County. He had five sons and two daughters, the eldest being our subject, Capt. John R. H., the next Augustus W. (now deceased, formerly of Dubuque, Iowa), George S. C. (of McGregor, Iowa), Walter (lived at Modesto, Cal., but now deceased), and Henry C. Scott (residing in Chicago). His daughters are Mrs. Eliza H. Campbell (deceased wife of Ben. H. Campbell, of Chicago, who was United States marshal under Gen. Grant for eight years, and father-in-law of Gen. O. E. Babcock), and Mrs. Elizabeth A. Jones (wife of Hon. J. Russell Jones, also of Chicago). Hon. J. Russell Jones was minister to Belgium under Gen. Grant, was United States marshal for the northern district of Illinois for eight years under President Lincoln, and was also collector of customs at Chicago when Gen. Grant's term expired. John R. H. Scott, Augustus W. Scott and Eliza Campbell were born in Missouri, the others in Arkansas, the youngest two, Elizabeth A. and Henry C., were born on Scotia farm, in Pope County, Ark. Judge Andrew Scott was well known to all the old settlers of Arkansas, having been one of the first public officers who came to the Territory of Arkansas, created by act of Congress March 2, 1819, to take effect July 4, 1819, after his appointment by President Monroe in 1819, to the office of judge of the Superior Court of the Territory. He moved with his family from St. Genevieve, Mo., to this part of Arkansas, and on July 28, 1819, assisted in putting into operation the organic law, and the first government of the territorial capital, which was temporarily established at the village known as Arkansas Post. In 1821 Little Rock became the capital, and he repaired to that place in that or the following year. April 11, 1827, he was made judge of the first district of the Circuit Court of the Territory, and in the spring of 1828 he removed again, coming up the Arkansas river to the Scotia farm, which he purchased of McKay, a Cherokee Indian. This was shortly after the time that these Indians ceded to the United States by treaty that portion of Arkansas Territory, made by Maj. Lovely, and then called Lovely's purchase, and just before their removal to Indian Territory farther west, and now occupied by them. This farm was called Scotia farm, and at that place Judge Scott had a post-office, and [p.255] named it Scotia. His son, Capt. John R. H. Scott (our subject), now owns this place, and upon a corner of it is the L. R. & F. S. flag station, Georgetown. Judge Scott was made an assessor soon after the treaty with the Indians, his duty being to assess the improvements made by the Indians upon the land ceded to the Government, and known as Lovely's purchase, in Pope County, then embracing the counties of Pope, Yell, Franklin, Scott, Johnson, Logan, Sebastian, Crawford and Washington. His proceedings for a time created great excitement among the white settlers on those lands, many of whom had purchased their claims from the Indians, the impression among them having been that the Government intended to force them to pay to it the assessor's estimate of the value of such improvements. He discharged this very important duty without any real trouble with the settlers, who were soon convinced that the Government intended no such injustice. Very soon after he was elected county and probate judge, afterward a member of the Legislature, and then a delegate from Pope County to the Constitutional Convention of 1836, when Arkansas was admitted into the Union as a State. He also took the United States census for Pope County, in 1850, and filled other positions of honor and profit, both State and Federal. In 1820 or 1821 Judge Scott fought a duel with Joseph Seldon, both being at that time on the territorial bench together as judges of the Superior Court, and Judge Seldon was killed at the first fire. Judge Scott was unhurt. The duel was fought on an island in the Mississippi River, near Helens, Ark. Hon. Nimrod Menifee (who was subsequently killed in a desperate rencounter with a man named Phillips, in Conway County, after giving his adversary a pistol wound from which he also died a year later), was the second and surgeon of Judge Scott.

page 256

On June 18, 1828, at Little Rock, in an unfortunate rencounter with Gen. E. Hogan (who was the assailant, and a man weighing over 270 pounds, and of Herculean strength, while Judge Scott did not weigh much over 130 pounds), Judge Scott was felled to the floor by Gen. Hogan. Upon regaining his feet he drew a sword (which he usually carried, it being a present from Maj. William Ball) and with it he gave Gen. Hogan four wounds, killing him almost instantly, but not before the General had taken it from Judge Scott, and made a deadly thrust at him, piercing through the cravat around the latter's throat. Immediately surrendering to the United States marshal, Judge Scott had his case examined in the proper courts, which at once discharged him, the killing being regarded as justifiable. Judge Andrew Scott would have been a man of marked distinction at any time or in any locality in the United States, and was peculiarly so in his day and in the Western country. His history constitutes an important part of that of his adopted State, and the vigor of his intellect his calm conservatism and the clearness exhibited in his judicial opinions published in the Supreme Court reports will give him prominence, especially with the bar and bench of the State forever. Capt John R. Homer Scott is a well-known man throughout the State of Arkansas, and is a most honorable old gentleman. He is a man of ability and modest merit, declining at two general elections calls through the newspapers from a large number of citizens, to run for Congress in the Fourth District. He has outlived nearly all his cotemporaries in this State, and yet he is a man of much vigor of mind and body. Among those cotemporaries in Arkansas who were his early friends and schoolmates, and who were not only well-known in the State, but many of them throughout the country, a few names may be found in the first part of this sketch. Such was his moral integrity and social position, that though licensed, but not a practicing lawyer, he has several times been elected special judge of the circuit court, a distinction conferred upon him purely as a matter of honor. At the trial in Pope Circuit Court of the State vs. P. O. Cheaney for the seduction of Miss Head, when the gray-haired old men, with wives and daughters, heard the young lady, as a witness, tell the truthful story of her dishonor, their honest hearts burned with indignation, and quite a number of them called upon Capt. Scott to take a fee to assist the prosecution, so anxions were they that such a monstrous crime, both legally and socially, should be p.256] punished, and female virtue and purity protected. Of course he declined to act as they desired, but who would not be proud of such evidence of respect and coufidence coming from those who have known him as neighbor and friend for many years.

The North Iowa Times says: "The St. Louis Republican of a recent date publishes an interesting paper that was recently read before the St. Louis Historical Society by Gen. Truman A. Rosier, of St. Genevieve, Mo., relating to a few former residents of the latter place, viz.: Ex-Senator George W. Jones, Ex Gov. Henry Dodge, Gen. A. C. Dodge, Ex-Senator Lewis F. Linn and Judge Andrew Scott. Dr. Linn was in the United States Senate representing Missouri from 1833 to 1843. Henry Dodge, after serving as captain in the Black Hawk War and filling several minor offices, was elected to Congress from Wisconsin, was afterward governor of the State, and then United States Senator from 1851 to 1857. Augustus C. Dodge, his son, was born in St. Genevieve, Mo., in 1812, and after filling several offices of lower grade, moved to Iowa Territory, and after this became a State, was elected as United States senator, being cotemporary with his father, who, as before stated, represented in the same capacity the adjoining. State of Wisconsin. Gen. Dodge was afterward sent as minister to Spain, and was the first of our ministers to address the court in the Spanish language, as he did in his valedictory to Queen Isabella. Besides the two Dodges, father and son, Dr. Linn, a half brother of Gen. Dodge and Hon. George W. Jones, above named, the little village of St. Genevieve had also the Hon. John Scott, a delegate to Congress from the Territory of Missouri, and afterward a member of the Lower House of Congress for the State of Missouri. Hon John Scott was the father of George Dodge Scott, now living in Dubuque, Iowa, and brother-in-law to Hon.

George W. Jones, before mentioned. The late Hon. Lewis V. Bogy was also reared in St. Genevieve, and died some years ago while a senator in Congress from Missouri, his residence being at the time of his death in St. Louis. Hon. James H. Relf was once a resident of the same old French village, but afterward moved to Potosi, Washington County, where his death occurred. He was a member of Congress from Missouri, and a brother of Mrs. Dr. Linn. George W. Jones, the brother-in-law of Judge Andrew Scott, is still living in Iowa, and is a man of great distinction, having held with honor to himself and country many offices, both military and civil. He was born in Vincennes, Ind., in 1804, and removed to St. Genevieve in 1808 or 1809, being a drummer boy in the War of 1812, whilst a student of Transylvanla University, Lexington, Ky. He acted as an officer in the body-guard of Gen. La Fayette in 1824, when that famous General was on a visit to the United States. Having had the office of United States clerk tendered him without solicitation, by Judge Peck, he removed to, and was elected a delegate to Congress from the Territory of Michigan in 1835, being that year appointed pension agent by Gen. Cass. He married at St. Genevieve Miss Josephine Gregoire, a descendant of an old and highly respected French and German family who had moved to Upper Louisiana in very early times. He was second to Jonathan Cilley of Maine, who was killed in Washington City in 1838 in a duel with Graves of Kentucky. He was surveyor-general of Wisconsin and Iowa from 1839 to 1841, and clerk of the United States Court from 1841 to 1845, after which he was reappointed surveyor-general by President Polk. When Iowa became a State in 1846 he was elevated from that office to that of United States senator, where he remained until 1859, when be was appointed minister to Bogota, United States of Columbia. He returned home after the commencement of the Civil War, and was soon after arrested by order of Secretary Seward, on an unwarranted charge and confined in Fort La Fayette until Secretary Stanton relieved him in February, "1862."

page 257

Judge Andrew Scott, who is spoken of in the foregoing article, together with his wife, both of whom died and were buried in Pope County many years ago, have very recently been disinterred and removed to Russellville, where they have been reinterred by their son, our much-esteemed and [p.257] respected fellow-citizen, John R. Homer Scott, who also removed, at the same time and to the same place, his wife and daughter from the Dover Cemetery. He had all placed in solid stone vaults, cemented, and air and water tight. Over all of them he has erected the most beautiful and costly Italian marble monument to be found in the country, with a very handsome statue of superior Italian marble, manufactured in Italy, ten feet and one inch high, and resting on the top of the monument is a figure five feet and one inch high, representing Hope, with an anchor and cord fully and elaborately chiseled and executed by a master hand, exhibiting the most superb sculptural polish of anchor, cord, drapery and life-like form and feature that can be placed upon marble. Reverence for our ancestors, living or dead, has in all ages been regarded as the greatest of all virtues; and this handsome monument erected by Capt. Scott, chiefly in honor of his father, is a most worthy tribute by a noble son to the memory of his distinguished sire. Of the late Mrs. Scott, (wife of Capt. John Scott) who sleeps beneath the same monument, and a lady greatly admired for her many excellent qualities, a prominent minister of the gospel upon reading the inscription to her memory on the monument, said: "I knew her well; all that is there said in her praise is true, especially of her boundless charity. For years I have lived a near neighbor to her, with a wife gradually dying of consumption, and as often as the day came, the good Mrs. Scott came to see her, and never did she come with her charitable hand empty. All her words were kindness and sympathy."

page 258

Capt. Scott's grandfather was Andrew Scott, a native of Scotland who came to New York and he and his brothers having lost their parents at sea, and being without friends or means in the new world were bound out as apprentices. He died in St. Genevieve, Mo. He was married, in Maryland to Miss Elizabeth Ferguson. Capt. Scott's paternal uncles were John Scott (delegate in Congress from Missouri from 1816 to 1819), the prop of the family, in his father's old age and an eminent criminal lawyer in Missouri. He married Miss Parr first, and then married a sister of Hon. George W. Jones by whom he had two children: George D. Scott of Dubuque, Iowa, and Emily, now Mrs. Wilson, wife of Samuel F. Wilson, an attorney of San Francisco, Cal. The other uncle, George W. Scott. married Miss Nancy Dodge, daughter of Gen. Henry Dodge, and was United States marshal for the Territory of Arkansas under President Monroe. Capt. Scott's maternal uncles were George W. Jones (of Dubuque, Iowa, as above stated), Augustus Jones (lately living at La Grange, Tex. (now deceased), who was United States marshal of Missouri under President Jackson). John Rice Jones (who was the first postmaster-general of the Texan republic), and Myers F. Jones (who was several times a member of the Missouri Legislature, but who removed to Texas in 1841, in which State he received his final summons). Capt. John Scott was a graduate from St. Joseph's College, Bardstown, Ky., in 1827. Among others of his classmates at this college were Robert W. Johnson (afterward United States Senator from Arkansas and William F. Pope (who was killed in a duel in Arkansas by C. F. M. Noland). Capt. Scott read law in the office of his father at Little Rock in 1828-29, and was admitted to the bar in 1848, but has never practiced. In 1828 he moved with his father to Pope County, Ark., and there he has resided ever since, with the exception of two years, 1834-35, after his marriage, which he spent in Johnson County. He carried on a farm for several years, and from 1847 to 1853 he was engaged in merchandising at Dover. During the war he lost fifteen negroes, and from 1867 to 1872 he was again engaged in mercantile pursuits. He is the owner of two farms, one on the Arkansas river consisting of 500 acres and the other, consisting of 600 acres, near Dover. One-half of each is under cultivation. He owns lots and buildings at Eureka Springs, and is worth, all together, not lass than $40,000, all the result of his own industry and perseverance. One of his first expeditions to make money was to take a flatboat, loaded with cattle and corn, down to New Orleans. In 1853 he crossed the plains to California with several hundred head of cattle, obtaining fabulous prices [p.258] for them, realizing $100 per head. In 1838 Capt. Scott became a Master Mason in Franklin Lodge No. 9, Johnson County, but was a member of no other secret organization. He was a Whig in politics until the formation of the Democratic party and then became a Democrat from necessity. In 1878 he was a member of the State Democratic Central Committee. He opposed secession until it became an accepted fact. Capt. Scott has held many positions of trust and honor, and it may truthfully be said of him that the offices which he has had the honor to fill, sought the man and not the man the office. From 1842 to 1850 he was clerk of the circuit, county and probate courts and ex-officio recorder of Pope County. In 1873 he was State Senator for Pope, Conway and Searcy Counties, and in 1874 he served as a member of the Constitutional Convention (of the State of Arkansas) from Pope County. He has served twice as a special judge of the circuit court at Dover. Many years previous to this (in 1830) he served as deputy United States marshal under his uncle, George W. Scott (United States marshal for the Territory of Arkansas), and in that capacity took the first census of Pope County. In 1836 Capt. Scott commanded a volunteer company of United States Cavalry under Gen. E. P. Gaines, during the Florida War, and hence his title of captain. In 1861 he raised a company for State service, which was transferred to the Confederate service, and he commanded a squadron of four companies, serving in the army until, in consequence of sickness, he was compelled to retire from the field. He participated in the battles of Elk Horn and Farmington. He was married in Johnson County, Ark., on December 11, 1834, to Miss Nancy Evans Jamison, a native of Potosi, Mo., born May 16, 1816, and the daughter of Judge George Jamison of Johnson County, Ark. Her father was a native of the Keystone State, of Scotch descent, and was a millwright by trade. Her mother, formerly Miss Mary D. Logan, was of a Kentucky family, originally from Pennsylvania. She was a cousin of James Logan, who was a member of the Legislature from Missouri and Creek agent at Verdigris, Indian Territory. Mrs. Scott was a charming, pleasant lady to meet and was remarkably handsome. She died on October 13, 1878, in full communion with the Methodist Episcopal Church South. By his marriage Capt. Scott became the father of three children: Andrew H. Scott (who was born at Dover, Ark., on December 18, 1840, taking his literary degree at Exeter College, N. H., and his medical degree from the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia. He is now one of the first physicians of Little Rock. He married Miss R. Kate Embry, daughter of Col. Ben T. Embry, who is a merchant and planter of Atkins, Ark. They have four children: Ben Embry, John R. Homer, Leonora and Andrew Horrace), Mary Eliza Scott (born at Dover on August 11, 1844, and died September 4, 1860, and whose birth is erroneously stated in the work of the Encyclopedia of the New West as being in 1834), and Leonora Augusta, (born at Dover on October 16, 1847, and educated at Little Rock and Fayetteville. She married H. Clabe Howell, a merchant, a member of the Legislature and a native of Kentucky. He died June 21, 1884, leaving these children: Andrew R. (a graduate of Jefferson Medical College, Pennsylvania, living at Little Rock), Emma Scott, Augustus H., Henry A., Kate E. and Mary. Mrs. Howell was married, the second time,on July 2, 1887, to George Eller Howell, a nephew of her former husband. One child, Elbert Homer, was the result of this union. Capt. Scott is not a member of any church, but is a believer in the Christian religion. Besides his own children, Capt. Scott has raised about nine orphan children.

page 259

James R. Shinn. In all ages of the world, industry, perseverance and energy where intelligently applied, have achieved a result which could have been gained only by having one object in view and improving every opportunity to ultimately attain that object. Mr. Shinn's operations as a farmer have resulted satisfactorily, and he is now the owner of about 170 acres of good farming land with seventy under cultivation. He was born in Pope County, Ark., on April 3, 1842, a son of L. C. and Nellie (Tucker) Shinn, who were born in North Carolina in 1814 and 1818, respectively, in which State their marriage also occurred. [p.259] To them the following children were born: Elizabeth M., Martha I., James R., Mary A., Silas M., Eliza M., Sarah J. and Laura A. (deceased). L. C. Shinn was a farmer and stone mason and after his removal to Arkansas in 1841 he followed these callings. He entered here 160 acres of timberland, and soon cleared enough space to build a log cabin. He improved his property in other ways afterward and erected him a good frame residence in which he died on September 7, 1885. He was justice of the peace of Clark Township for three or four terms, and was a member of the Christian Church, of which his wife was also a member at the time of her death. James R. Shinn commenced life for himself as a farmer on rented land, and his first crop was put in with one steer. In 1861 he enlisted in Company E, Fifteenth Arkansas Regiment, C. S. A., and participated in the engagements at Elk Horn, Corinth, Grand Gulf and Baker's Creek, being wounded in the last named engagement by a gunshot in the right breast. He was then paroled and returned home, where he was married, in 1865, to Miss Jemimah E. Smith, a North Carolinian by birth, born August 14, 1846. Their union has been blessed in the birth of thirteen children: Charles L., Joyce L., Dosey F., (wife of James Sasbee), Amanda M., James R., Psyche, Lulu E., Jessie L., Elizabeth M., Katie and George D. James W. and Thomas J. are deceased. Mr. Shinn has served several years as justice of the peace of Clark Township, is a liberal contributor to worthy enterprises, and he and his wife are earnest members of the Christian Church. His property is improved with fair buildings and every thing about the place shows that a man of thrift and industry has charge of affairs.

Hon. N. D. Shinn has long been connected with the farming interests of this section, and as an honest man and law-abiding citizen, has no superior. He was born in the Old North State, August 27, 1819, to Silas M. and Elizabeth (Little) Shinn, also of that State. The father was surveyor of the county in which he lived, and was married in his native State, his union resulting in the birth of thirteen children, four now living: Thomas J., Silas M., N. D., and Eliza (wife of C. F. Reed). The following are the names of the children that are deceased: B. D. R., Jackson, L. C., James M., John O., Sarah, Peeny M and a pair of twins, who died unnamed. After the father's death, which occurred in North Carolina, about 1821 or 1822, the mother moved westward, and in Pope County, Ark., passed. from life, in 1852, an earnest Christian, and a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. N. D. Shinn was married in Montgomery County, N. C., in 1837, to Miss Hester Brooks, who was born there in 1822, a daughter of William and Tempey (Tucker) Brooks. Seven sons and two daughters have been born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Shinn, the following of whom are living: James M. (residing in Texas), Alphus M. (a farmer, of this county), Marion R., Henry L., Alexander B and Jennie (wife of J. F. Munday, of Russellville). The following are those deceased: William E., John F. (who was killed in the battle of Corinth, Miss.), and Pauline V. In 1839 Mr. Shinn came to this State, from North Carolina, and settled on some Government land, which he improved, being now the owner of 1,200 acres, 500 acres being river bottom land, with 350 acres under cultivation. His home place consists of 700 acres, and of this 150 are under cultivation. This land is very valuable, for in addition to being a fine farming tract, it is all underlaid with coal. In 1877 he erected, on his land, a good frame residence, and his other buildings are substantial and commodious. He has an excellent apple, peach and pear orchard near his residence, and on his river bottom farm is a fine, steam cotton-gin. He has always been a stanch Democrat, and the admirable services he has rendered his party were recognized at different times, and he has served in a number of different official capacities. He first held the responsible position of probate judge for six years, was justice of the peace of his township about the same length of time, and was elected to the State Legislature from Pope County in 1874, receiving 1,200 of the 2,228 votes cast. He and his worthy wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and he has attained to the Chapter in the Russellville Lodge, of the A. F. & A. M.

page 260

[p.260] Zachariah Sinclair, farmer, Hector,Ark. Among those who deservedly rank among the progressive and substantial agriculturists of Pope County, is the above mentioned gentleman, who is the owner of an excellent farm in this county. His parents, James R. and Nancy C. (Noel) Sinclair, were natives of North Carolina and Tennessee,respectively, and were married in the last named State. They removed to Arkansas in 1839, settled, in Pope County, where, after living until 1855, they took up land. The twelve children born to this union are named as follows: Mary T. (wife of P. H. Brant), Zachariah, Virginia (wife of G. A. Bishop, deceased), Sarah A. (in Searcy County), Franklin P. (in Center Township), James H. (in Hector, Ark.), William (deceased), and four others who died in infancy. At the age of eighteen years. Zachariah began working for himself as an agriculturist, and in 1862 he was married. The fruits of this union were two children: James A. (deceased), and William Francis. Mrs. Sinclair died in 1865, and in February, 1867, Mr. Sinclair was married to Miss Winnie E. Bishop, a native of Tennessee. About 1870 Mr. Sinclair homesteaded the land on which he now resides, consisting of eighty acres, of which he has thirty acres under cultivation. He is also the owner of twenty acres in the bottom along Illinois Bayou, of which he has about fifteen acres under cultivation. His principal productions are cotton and corn. In connection with his farming industry Mr. Sinclair has been employed to some extent with his carpenter trade, also wagon-making, although he has never served an apprenticeship at either. To his last marriage were born these children: Siney C. (wife of A. D. Poe), George W., John W., Margaret E., Martha E., Rhoda J., Ella M., Henry W. and Lulu J. Two are deceased.

Harrison Smith, a prosperous merchant at London Station, Ark., was born in Tennessee January 16, 1841, to John W. and Malinda (Neill) Smith, who were born in South Carolina and North Carolina in 1818 and 1821, respectively. They were married, in Tennessee, December 12, 1839, and their union was blessed by the birth of nine children, six being now alive, of whom the subject of this sketch is the eldest. The other members are Wyatt (a farmer in Sebastian County, Ark.), Narcissa (wife of John Maxwell, of Sebastian County, Ark.), Louisa (wife of Edward Gifford, of Polk County, Fla.), Lutitia (wife of J. C. Williams, of Catoosa County, Ga.), Anna (wife of Dr. S. C. Burgess, of London, Ark.), and the following children who are deceased: Thomas M., Penelton and George. The parents of these children were Baptists. The father is now residing in Tennessee. The mother died in November, 1883. The former was a soldier in the Confederate Army for a short time during the Rebellion, and was in the hospital service. H. Smith, the immediate subject of this sketch, began life for himself in 1865 on rented land, and the same year was married to Miss Mary E. Lee, a native of South Carolina, born July 30, 18****1, a daughter of Richard and Lettie (Smith) Lee. Mr. Smith enlisted in Company A, Forty-third Regiment of Arkansas Infantry, Confederate States Army, August 7, 1861, and was on active duty until the close of the war, when he returned home, and, as above stated, began following the plow as a means of livelihood, an occupation which received his attention until 1880. In 1872 he moved to Arkansas, and until 1878 was a resident of Woodruff County. In 1882 he moved to Dover, and after following the life of a merchant in that place for two years, has since followed the same occupation at London Station, where he carries a stock of general merchandise to the amount of $2,500. He is the owner of twenty-four acres of land, besides some town lots. and on one of the latter he has a comfortable frame residence. He also owns the store in which he does business. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and are among the substantial citizens of the county.

page 261

L. M. Smith, proprietor of the Russellville steam grist-mill, planing-mill, cotton-gin and wool-carding-mill, was born in Mississippi in 1836, and was the third in a family of seven children, born to John and Prudence (Marshall) Smith, the father a native of the Palmetto State and the mother of the Bay State. The father was a bricklayer and plasterer by trade, and came to Mississippi when about thirty-five years of age. There his death [p.261] occurred in November, 1858. The mother died in Arkansas in 1882. L. M. Smith was reared in Mississippi until about ten years of age, and then, without permission of his parents, left home suddenly and engaged with a party of railroad surveyors with whom he remained one year. He then entered the railroad shops at Huntsville and there learned his trade as engineer and machinist. After spending seven years in the shop he then went on the Memphis & Charleston Railroad as an engineer for fourteen years, was then on the Mobile & Ohio for one year and was then for a time on the Great Western. Later yet he was on the Memphis & Little Rock Railroad for five years. In 1877 he came to Pope County, settled at Russellville and at once began the erection of his present business in partnership with Harker & Terrence, whom he soon bought out. He began with a grist-mill and became the owner of the first steam. mill in town, the same having three run of stones. He put in a wool carding machine in 1879, and now has a durable machine. He started the gin on a small scale in 1882, and now has, perhaps, the second best gin in the State. He has sailor elevators to move cotton, a Thomas' direct steam press, with a capacity of thirty bales of cotton per day. During a four months' season, and during 1889-90 he ginned 1,000 bales. In 1885 he added a planing-mill, and has since put in new and improved planers. In 1887 he put in an engine of sixty-horse power. The building occupies a couple of acres of land and is valued at about $15,000. In 1879 Mr. Smith erected his present residence, and is also the owner of five tenant houses. He owns a farm of 260 acres in two tracts, all good timber, and is a thorough, wide-awake and enterprising citizen. He was married in 1858, to Miss Sarah Harris of Alabama, and to this union were born six children–a son and five daughters–all living: Mary Frances, Georgia A., Willie Luln, Sarah K., all of whom are married, and Robert and Ida May. Mr. Smith is a member of the Christian and his wife and children are members of the Baptist Church. He showed his appreciation of secret organizations by becoming a member of the A. F. & A. M. and the K. of P. He is a member of all the orders of Masonry.

page 262

R. H. Smith, machinist and foundryman, and a member of the firm of Smith & Little, was born in North Carolina, in 1838, and was the fifth of eleven children born to William and Catherine (Burkhead) Smith, both natives also of the Old Tar State. The father was a farmer, but also carried on the trades of blacksmith and wagon-maker. He came to Arkansas in 1854, settled in Pope County and started a shop six miles northwest of Russellville. There he had a good trade, and made wagons for most of the county. He also bought 256 acres and to this he added from time to time until he became the owner of large tracts of land, much of it river bottom land. He cleared much of this land and here resided until his death, in 1887, at the age of eighty-two years. He had always enjoyed good health. The mother died about the same time. Our subject has three sisters and one brother residing in this county. He followed farming until the breaking out of the war, and then flung aside his implements of peace to take up the weapons of warfare. He enlisted in Company E, Fifteenth Arkansas Regiment, and was in the battle of Elk Horn, but soon went east of the Mississippi River, where he participated in the battles of Farmington, Corinth and Port Gibson, and was taken prisoner at the latter place. He was retained at Alton prison for six weeks, and was then exchanged at City Point, after which he came home. Later he enlisted again, was captured and confined at Little Rock, where he was at the time of the surrender. Returning home he engaged in farming, followed this for several years, and was very successful. He bought 350 acres and soon had 100 acres under cultivation. About 1875 he began the mill business, at Mill Creek, and had a good outfit and an excellent trade. This he sold in 1884, and at once started his foundry and machine shop, manufacturing stoves. The firm also do a general repairing business, employ two men and sometimes more, and are the owners of the foundry which is a good building. Mr. Smith was married in the fall of 1859, to Miss Martha Shinn, who is the daughter of Littleton Shinn, a pioneer of this locality. Of the following, named nine children born to

this union six are [p.262] now living: Jesse Lee, Mary F., Sarah Ellen, Lenora (deceased), Oeata (deceased), Thomas (deceased), Mattie, Florence and Franklin. Mr. Smith has a farm of 150 acres and a residence in town. Aside from his foundry enterprise, he is also engaged in the grocery business in partnership with R. C. Brown, and they are erecting a two-story brick building. Mr. Smith is a good business man and is successful and prosperous.

James L. Tate. Not without justice Mr. Tate is conceded to be among the prominent and successful agriculturists of Pope County, Ark., for he is, and has been, meeting with substantial success in pursuing his calling. He was born in Johnson County, Ark., February 24, 1849, and although he received but little early education on account of the opening of the war, he has since become one of the well-informed and intelligent men of the county. He remained on his father's farm until he was nineteen years of age, after which he began renting land for himself, and in 1877 bought the land where he now lives, from the Railroad Company. This he immediately settled on and commenced improving, being now the owner of 167 acres, fifty-five of which are in a good state of cultivation. This is mostly valley land and very productive, and as he has made every endeavor to bring his land into a fine state of cultivation, he has one of the finest places in the county for its size. It is all under good fence, and in addition to this he tills 350 acres adjoining, devoting it to the raising of cotton, corn, oats and wheat. His cotton yields from two-thirds to one bale of cotton to the acre, and corn averages about forty-five bushels. He raises large numbers of mules and other stock for his own use, which are admirably housed during the winter months, and he has an excellent frame residence. He has a young orchard of about 200 apple trees, besides peach, cherry and plum trees in abundance. He is up with the times in regard to cultivation, having the latest improved farming utensils, and in addition to his residence he has five houses for tenants, each with necessary outbuildings. On December 28, 1868, he was married to Miss Emeline Jones, a daughter of Thomas and Mary Salma (Hise) Jones, of Johnson County, but formerly from Northeastern Georgia. Mr. Tate and his wife have four children: Oscar S., Mary Ann, Mattie M. and Dora Jane. Mr. Tate has felt the loss of an early education, and is trying to give his children every opportunity. He and his family worship in the Primitive Baptist Church, and he is a liberal supporter of churches. schools, etc. He and his wife are noted for their hospitality and are honored citizens of this county.

page 263

Van Tomlinson is one of the largest land owners and most prominent farmers of Dover Township, Pope County, Ark. He was born in Pulaski County, Ky., August 20, 1833, and when three years of age was brought to this county by his parents, Charles and Susan (Wood) Tomlinson, who were also born in Pulaski County. Ky., and at the time of the birth of the subject of this sketch were residing in the town of Somerset, where the father was keeping a hotel and managing a dry-goods store. He was sheriff of Pulaski County for a number of years. but upon coming to Arkansas he purchased and entered Government land, which he immediately began