Clay County Arkansas Biographies and Biographical Sketches

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S. W. Alexander Biography

S. W. Alexander, manufacturer and dealer in hard wood lumber, railroad ties, wagons, agricultural implements, car material, etc., at Corning, Ark., was born in Hancock County, Ind., October 17, 1835, his parents, James and Mary (Mac Michael) Alexander, and his grandparents, on both sides, being natives of Orange County, N. C. They all emigrated at an early day (about 1828) to Indiana where they died. The great-grandfather was in the Revolutionary War, and fired the first cannon in that service. James Alexander remained in Hancock County, Ind., until the spring of 1857, when he emigrated to Polk County, Iowa, where he was living at the time of his death, in 1882. His wife died in 1872, have borne five children: John C., Julia A., Simeon W., James A. and Louisa. Mr. Alexander was a farmer by occupation. Simeon W. Alexander, our subject, was reared and educated in his native county, and from childhood has been familiar with farm life. On reaching his majority he was married, and emigrated to Illinois, locating in Cumberland County, where he was engaged in the saw-mill business until 1859, when he removed to Polk County, Iowa, but returned to Illinois in December, 1863, and there resided until the fall of 1869. In the fall of that year he sold his mill and returned to Iowa, where he remained until 1886, being engaged in both lumbering and farming on an extensive scale. He owned 400 acres of good land and on coming to Clay County, embarked in the lumber business, putting up a large saw-mill. He still continues this business and employs a great many hands. He owns about 2,400 acres of land in Clay County, some 1.000 of which will make fine farming land when improved. He also has one of the best houses in the county, situated in Corning. October 23, 1856, he was married to Miss Mary Faster, a native of Indiana, by whom he has seven children: William (in Dakota). Lucy M., Cora (wife of T. J. Conway, of Chicago). Charles W., Addie, Freddie and Edward. Mr. Alexander is a member of the I. O. O. F., and is one of the public spirited men of Clay County, always being ready to advance the interests of the people. [Biographical and historical memoirs of northeast Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the state ... biographies of distinguished citizens ... a brief descriptive history ... of the counties .. by Goodspeed Publishing Co; Presley, Leister E., Mrs, 1889]

J. H. Allen Biography

J. H. Allen, stockman and farmer of Clay County, Ark., was born in North Carolina in July, 1828, being the eighth of nine children born to Isaac and Sarah (Hawkins) Allen, who were born in North Carolina and Virginia, respectively, the latter being a daughter of a Revolutionary patriot. Both parents died on their home farm in North Carolina. J. H. Allen attended the public schools for some time and remained at home until twenty-four years of age, being engaged in overseeing the farm until the breaking out of the Rebellion, when he gave up this work and began operating a grist mill. In November, 1866, he came to what is now Clay County (then Randolph County), and settled twenty-five miles from Pocahontas, in which locality he rented land for some time. He then purchased 380 acres of wild land two miles west of Knobel, on which he immediately began to make improvements. At the present time he has 150 acres under cultivation, well improved with good buildings, orchard, fences, etc. He has added 120 acres to his original purchase, on which he raises a large number of horses, cattle and hogs each year. He has devoted most of his cultivated land to corn and stock for his cattle and horses, but this year (1889) has put in about fifty acres of cotton. He has always been quite active in politics, and has held the office of justice of the peace for ten years, and has been school director a number of years. In 1853 he married Miss Margaret Wagner, who was born in North Carolina, and by her had five children: William, John, Isaac, Henry, and Albert, all of whom are dead. In 1871 he married Miss Nancy Demaree, a native of Illinois, and to them were born three children: Amanda, Jesse and David, all now living at home. [Biographical and historical memoirs of northeast Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the state ... biographies of distinguished citizens ... a brief descriptive history ... of the counties .. by Goodspeed Publishing Co; Presley, Leister E., Mrs, 1889]

Capt. John J. Allen Biography

Capt. John J. Allen was born in Lee County, Ga., on the 2nd of July, 1841, and is the son of Edward M. and Mary J. (Knight) Allen. The father was born in the "Palmetto State" in 1819 of Scotch-Irish parents, and was a mechanic and ginwright, making machines by hand. He was taken to Georgia when small, and was there reared to manhood. During the Indian troubles in the Southern States, especially in Florida, Mr. Allen participated as a private, and received in payment for his services a land warrant for 160 acres, and in 1853 chose the land on which Capt. John J. Allen now resides. Prior to this, however, he took a trip through Texas, Arkansas. Mississippi and the Indian Territory, making the journey on horseback, a distance of 3.000 miles. He then returned to Georgia, and the following year (1853) located in Arkansas, the nearest post-office at that time being sixteen miles distant, and the second nearest (Pocahontas) fifty miles distant. The families of McNiel, Nettles, Wooter, Singleton, Copeland, Sexton and White, were the only ones within a radius of ten miles. Wild animals roamed the country at will, and Indians were also very numerous. Schools were almost unknown, and Mr. Allen assisted in building many of the first houses. John G. Taylor, a Missionary Baptist minister, came with Mr. Allen to the State, and preached the first sermon in Northeast Arkansas. The latter opened thirty acres of land the first year, which was heavily covered with timber. He was a slave owner, and served for twelve months in the Confederate army under Price, holding the rank of captain, when he resigned on account of his age. He died in 1877. His wife was born in Jasper County, Ga., about 1822, and was there married to Mr. Allen, by whom she became the mother of ten children: William A., John J., Elizabeth J., Edward M., Thomas M., living to be grown, and the following dying in infancy: Martha, Stapie, and two infants. Mrs. Allen died in 1860, and Mr. Allen then married Sarah J. Palmer, who bore him five children: Robert, Georgia L., George W., Willie, and Odus. Capt. Allen, our subject, has resided in Arkansas since twelve years of age, but spent his entire school days in Georgia. He was reared on the farm on which he is now residing, and remained at home until his marriage at the age of eighteen years, when he was engaged in farming until 1861. Then he enlisted in Company H, Fifth Arkansas Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war, participating in many battles: Helena, Fredericksburg, Boonville, Lexington, Newtonia, and many others of less note. He enlisted as a private, but was promoted to captain, and was then transferred to the cavalry, serving two years. After coming home he engaged in farming, and in 1868 opened a mercantile establishment at Scatterville, and followed this occupation in connection with ginning for four years. He then removed to Tilton, where he was occupied in business until August, 1888, since which time he has been one of the successful business men of Rector. He has been a large speculator in land, and in addition to his farm, runs a stave factory and saw-mill. His farm comprises about 4,000 acres, and he has 2,200 acres in Greene County, besides considerable land in other districts, all of which is the result of his own labor. He was married to Miss Permelia L. McNiel, a daughter of Neil McNiel. She was born in Clay County, Ark., and she and Capt. Allen are the parents of five children: Mary L., James B., Minnie A., Myrtie, and Charles A. In 1872 Mrs. Allen died, and Mr. Allen then married Nancy O. McNiel, a sister of his first wife. Their children are: George M., Gertrude, Harry P., Carrie, and Leonard W. Capt. Allen has never been a political man, the highest office he ever held being that of notary public. He is one of the best known men in the county, and is a member of the I. O. O. F., the Knights of Pythias, and the Masonic fraternity, and has long been connected with the Missionary Baptist Church. [Biographical and historical memoirs of northeast Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the state ... biographies of distinguished citizens ... a brief descriptive history ... of the counties .. by Goodspeed Publishing Co; Presley, Leister E., Mrs, 1889]

Joshua Bare Biography

Joshua Bare, farmer and stock raiser of St. Francis Township, is a fair sample of what can be accomplished by industry and perseverance. Although starting life with a limited amount of this world's goods, he is now one of the substantial farmers of the county, and is the owner of 240 acres of land in the home place, with 160 acres cleared, on which he has good buildings. Aside from this he is the owner of another tract of land in the township, one and a quarter miles from the home place, consisting of 160 acres of timber land. He also possesses some 320 acres in the St. Francis bottoms, with about 100 acres cleared, and has an interest in 205 acres of other lands, all the result of industry and good management. Mr. Bare was born in Crawford County, Ind., December 13, 1833, and is the son of Jacob Bare and Nancy (Copple) Bare, the latter of German descent. The father was born in Virginia but was reared in Indiana. After marriage he settled in Crawford County of that State, where he followed farming until about 1843, when he moved to Illinois and settled in Jefferson County. He resided there up to 1868, when he came to Arkansas, and located in what is now Clay County. Here he died in February, 1877. He served as sheriff and deputy sheriff in Indiana, and was quite a prominent man. Joshua Bare was reared in Jefferson County, Ill., and came to Arkansas in 1855, locating in Clay County, but what was then Greene County, and entered eighty acres of land. He then bought eighty acres near Brown's Ferry, resided there about fifteen years, after which he sold this, and bought the place where he now lives. He has been four times married; first, to Miss Susan Williams; then to Nancy Brown, who bore him one daughter, Peggy A., wife of John Nettle; his next marriage was to Mrs. Nettle, a widow, who bore him four children: Clarissa (wife of Wiley Thomas), Joshua, Bettie and Arabella. Mr. Bare's fourth marriage was to Mrs. Marietta Sarver, a widow, and the daughter of Jacob Sarver. Three children were born to this union: Jacob, Mattie and John Harry. When Mr. Bare first came to the State it was a comparative wilderness, and for about eleven winters he was engaged in trapping. He has killed bear, wolves, wild cats, lots of deer, turkey and small game. He would average about $200 worth of furs annually at that business. Mr. Bare has been a member of the I. O. O. F. for thirteen years. Mrs. Bare belongs to the Christian Church. An interesting volume might be written of many of Mr. Bare's hunting expeditions, but space will permit mention of only the following: In 1867, one of his neighbors, Billy Maner, a single man, had struck camp some seven miles south of where our subject lived, in a wild locality on Old River. Mr. Bare went on one occasion to spend the night with him, but found the unsuccessful hunter without food. Starting the next morning with a determination to return only after he shot something, he traveled some distance, occasionally seeing game which could not be secured. Later on, while not far from camp, he killed two wolves, and being of a humorous disposition, the thought was suggested to pass off this meat upon the unsuspecting Billy as venison. Bringing a portion of the animal to headquarters (together with a squirrel), and assuring him that a large buck had been killed, the mess was eaten by the victim of Mr. Bare's joke, with a casual remark as to its toughness, etc. Subsequently the truth was told. Imagination rather than words can picture the result of such a revelation. In 1876 a three-days' hunt was indulged in by Mr. Bare, two of his nephews and a little negro boy. Starting with a cart and a yoke of oxen, they drove into a bottom farm, proceeding horse-back until about a mile from their camping ground, when fresh bear tracks were discovered. Before very long an effort to secure bruin was commenced, and proved fruitful. While waiting for help to remove the animal (which weighed about 400 pounds) a large buck was killed by Mr. Bare. These furnish but mere instances of his good fortune with the gun and rifle. [Biographical and historical memoirs of northeast Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the state ... biographies of distinguished citizens ... a brief descriptive history ... of the counties .. by Goodspeed Publishing Co; Presley, Leister E., Mrs, 1889]

W. F. Barnes Biography

W. F. Barnes, undertaker and furniture dealer, of Corning, Ark., has been in business here since August, 1888, when he purchased his stock of goods of Mr. Bishop and continued at that stand until June 1, 1889, when he moved to his present location. His establishment is a two-story frame building, 40×20 feet, now under process of erection, which will, when finished, be commodious and substantial. Mr. Barnes success in this line has been due to his energy and enterprise, and his establishment is now one of the leading concerns of this kind in the county. He was born in Lawrence County, Ill., in 1856, and was the eldest in a family of eight children born to John and Jane (Thompson) Barnes, who were Kentuckians by birth, but emigrated to Illinois in their youth, where they grew to maturity and met and married. The father settled with his parents in Lawrence County in 1826, and afterward became a successful farmer and teacher of that region, following these occupations for many years in that State. He died in 1885, but his widow is still residing in Illinois. The paternal grandfather was an early settler of Illinois, where he also makes his home. Mr. Barnes was early inured to the duties of farm life, and during his youth also attended the common schools of Lawrence and Wabash Counties, Ill. He engaged in farming for himself in that State and was married there in 1882 to Miss Ella P. Price, a native of that county. Her parents, Joseph and Hannah (Dart) Price, were born in Ohio and Kentucky, respectively, and are now residing in Illinois. In 1887 Mr. Barnes came to Corning, Ark., and until 1888 worked at the carpenter's trade, but has since been engaged in his present business. Politically he is a Democrat, and always supports the principles of that party. He belongs to the K. of H. and the I. O. G. T., and he and wife are members of the Methodist Church. They are the parents of two children: Opal V. and Verna D. Mr. Barnes has done well financially, is the owner of some valuable town property, and predicts a bright future for Corning. [Biographical and historical memoirs of northeast Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the state ... biographies of distinguished citizens ... a brief descriptive history ... of the counties .. by Goodspeed Publishing Co; Presley, Leister E., Mrs, 1889]

Zachariah T. Bearden Biography

Zachariah T. Bearden was born in Montgomery County, Tenn., September 29, 1849, and is the son of John and Prudence (Majors) Bearden. John Bearden was born in Montgomery County, Tenn., and is of Irish-English parentage. He received a fair, common-school education, later followed farming and emigrated to Clay County, Ark., in 1851. The county was called Greene County at that time, but was afterward changed to Clay. At that early day there were but six families in an area ten miles square, and all the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life were experienced by Mr. Bearden. Schools were taught on the subscription plan, and church was held about once a month in old log cabins. Mr. Bearden was a slave owner but generally preferred white labor. He was the owner of a large farm, but was broken up during the war. He died May 10, 1888, being seventy-six years of age. During life he was never an office seeker, but was elected by the people, without solicitation, to the office of county treasurer. Mrs. Bearden was also reared in Tennessee, grew to womanhood there, and was married in that State. Nine children were the result of this union: Richard E., Isom K., Judge H., Zach. T., Samuel J., Susan U., William J., Robert W. and Mary E. Mrs. Bearden died in this county, August 16, 1877. Grandfather and Grandmother Bearden died in Tennessee; she was a native of North Carolina. Grandfather and Grandmother Majors were natives of West Virginia, and at an early day emigrated to Tennessee. Zachariah T. Bearden came with his parents to Arkansas when two years of age, settling in Greene County, and there remained assisting his father on the farm until twenty-one years of age. His educational advantages were rather limited, but by self study he became a well informed man. At the age mentioned he began business for himself by hiring on at a cotton gin by the day, and later followed clerking. He then bought a tract of land and carried on agricultural pursuits for nine years. January 2, 1873, he married Miss Elizabeth Harber, a native of Dyer County, Tenn., and the daughter of G. A. Harber. The fruits of this union were five children, four now living: Drewy D., George O., John S. and Ethel M. The one deceased was named Dora L. Mr. Bearden engaged in the mercantile business at his present stand in 1882, building the second house in Rector, and has been occupied in merchandising ever since. He is also interested in a large timber business. He carries a stock of merchandise valued at about $3,000, and also buys and exchanges cotton. He is a Democrat in his political views. Mrs. Bearden is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. [Biographical and historical memoirs of northeast Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the state ... biographies of distinguished citizens ... a brief descriptive history ... of the counties .. by Goodspeed Publishing Co; Presley, Leister E., Mrs, 1889]

B. B. Biffle Biography

B. B. Biffle, sheriff of Clay County, and one of the representative citizens of this section, is a native of Humphreys County, Tenn., where he was reared and where he received a fair education in the common schools. He is the son of William and Martha (Skelton) Biffle, the grandson of Nathan Biffle, and the great-grandson of Jacob Biffle, who came from Germany many years ago. To William Biffle and wife were born six children, B. B. Biffle being the eldest. He left his native county at the age of twenty-one years, or in 1879, and made his way to Clay County, Ark., where he started a store in Greenway, and, although a young man, he was the first to engage in merchandising at that place. After that, in connection with his store, he was for some time occupied in running a stave mill, but in September, 1888, he was elected to the office of sheriff, and then closed out the milling and stave business, to give his undivided attention to his official duties. He fills that position in an able and efficient manner, and to the satisfaction of all concerned. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, of the Blue Lodge and Chapter. For his companion in life he chose Miss Ella Turner, daughter of Thomas Turner, of Tennessee. He and Mrs. Biffle are members of the Methodist Church. [Biographical and historical memoirs of northeast Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the state ... biographies of distinguished citizens ... a brief descriptive history ... of the counties .. by Goodspeed Publishing Co; Presley, Leister E., Mrs, 1889]

Sylvanus Bishop Biography

Sylvanus Bishop, wagon-maker, painter and farmer, is a son of Stephen M. and Caroline (Bunnell) Bishop, and was born in Crawford County, Penn., March 1, 1841. His parents were also born in that State, and in 1837 emigrated to Indiana, but, after remaining there a short time, returned to Pennsylvania. About 1844 they again came to Indiana, where they made their home until 1880, then moving to Peabody, Kas., where Mr. Bishop died in 1886. His widow still survives. To them were born fifteen children, eleven of whom are living: Jefferson, Sylvanus. Stephen W., Adeline, David, Elmira J., Merriman, Silas, Delilah, Monroe and Daniel S. Sylvanus Bishop attained his growth in Indiana, and in 1861 enlisted in Company E, Twenty-ninth Indiana Infantry, and served until the close of the war, participating in the following engagements: Shiloh, Stone River, Chickamanga, Liberty Gap and others. At the battle of Shiloh he was wounded by a gun-shot in the left arm. At Stone River he was captured, but succeeded in making his escape and, after a time, was discharged for disability, owing to the effects of small-pox, which he had contracted in the service. From that time until 1877 he was engaged in learning and working at his trade in Indiana, and then came to Clay County, Ark., and has since resided at Corning. He owns a small farm adjoining the town, which is in a good state of cultivation and well improved, and this he conducts in connection with carrying on his trade. In January, 1886, he was married to Miss Mary E. Benedict, a native of New York State, by whom he has five children: Anna M., John L., Amy W., Elsie V. and A. McDonald. Mr. and Mrs. Bishop are members of the Baptist Church, and he belongs to the Masonic fraternity. He has been a school director for about eleven years, and is interested in all public enterprises. For some ten years he was engaged in the undertaker's business, his profits amounting to about $1.500 per year. He now gives his attention to his shop, and is doing well. His son, John L., is an intelligent young man, and is one of the first teachers in the county. [Biographical and historical memoirs of northeast Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the state ... biographies of distinguished citizens ... a brief descriptive history ... of the counties .. by Goodspeed Publishing Co; Presley, Leister E., Mrs, 1889]

James Blackshare Biography

James Blackshare. Among all classes and in every condition of life where the struggle for a livelihood is going on, where will independence be found more clearly demonstrated than in the life of the honest, industrious farmer? Mr. Blackshare, who has followed agricultural pursuits for the past fifty-two years, and who has never missed a crop during the years thus spent, is a fair example of the independent tiller of the soil. He was born in West Tennessee, in 1824, and is the son of Rev. Jacob and Mary (Berry) Blackshare, the father a native of Tennessee, born in 1802, and the mother born in 1799. James Blackshare was left motherless at the age of ten years, and May 27, 1847, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Dines, who bore him five sons: William S., a member of the firm of Blackshare & Co., in the manufacturing of staves and in the general milling business, is married and the father of six children; Robert B. (deceased), left a widow and five children; Sidney A. (deceased), left a widow and five children; James T., lives on a farm near Boydsville, is married and the father of three sons, and Jacob L., farmer near Boydsville, is married, and the father of two sons and two daughters. The mother of these children died in 1857. March 14, 1858, Mr. Blackshare took for his second wife Mrs. Ruth E. Evans, of Tennessee, and in the fall of the same year he and family moved to Clay County (then Greene County), Ark., and settled on the farm where he is now residing, three miles northeast of Boydsville, which consisted of eighty acres, to which he added eighty more. To his last marriage were born six children, three of whom survive at the present: Mary F., wife of Dr. John J. Prince, and the mother of one daughter, resides at Bethel Station, Tenn., where her husband follows his profession and is also engaged in merchandising; John S., a merchant at Rector, married and the father of one child, a daughter; Ora A., the wife of A. J. Burton, and the mother of three children, two daughters and a son, is now living near her father, where her husband is occupied in farming; Ira E., died in his sixteenth year. Mr. Blackshare came to this State with his wife and seven children in two wagons, drawn by oxen, being the owner of seven or eight head of cattle, six or eight head of horses, and about $200 in money. The first winter before there were gins introduced into the country, the cotton, which they picked with their fingers, was made into clothing for the family. There were no mills then except little hand mills, which were only used to grind corn, and were called corn crackers. They would crack the kernel into about four pieces. A few years later Mr. Blackshare raised a little wheat and ground it in the same mills and "sarcht it;" this consisted of a box with a muslin cloth over it, opened at one end, on which was dropped some of the meal, and then by a rocking motion the bran was forced to the top and back through the opening at the rear, while the fine flour passed through the muslin into the box. At that time their trading was done by exchanging pelting and furs for salt, sugar, coffee, etc., at Cape Girardeau, Mo., 100 miles distant, to which place they made their trips with ox teams about once a year. Mr. Blackshare has not taken a drink of liquor of any kind, or a chew of tobacco, for over forty years, or since joining the church, and has always been willing to render aid, as far as he was able, to all laudable enterprises. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Mr. Blackshare was township magistrate for four terms of two years each, and was also county treasurer for two terms. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is one of the representative men of the county. He is now the owner of 340 acres of land, after having supported his family and settled nine children at an expense of $14,000, and does not owe a cent. [Biographical and historical memoirs of northeast Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the state ... biographies of distinguished citizens ... a brief descriptive history ... of the counties .. by Goodspeed Publishing Co; Presley, Leister E., Mrs, 1889]

W. S. Blackshare Biography

W. S. Blackshare, of the milling and stave manufacturing firm of W. S. Blackshare & Co., is a native of Tennessee, born in November, 1849, and came to Clay County, Ark., with his father, James Blackshare, when a boy of nine years. Here he grew to manhood on a farm, and in 1878 he was appointed by Gov. Garland to the office of sheriff of the county, and for two years he was county treasurer, having also filled that office for several incumbents. He was deputy sheriff for four years, and is considered one of the leading business men of the county. He is the owner of about 200 acres of land on his home place, which adjoins the town of Boydsville, and has about 1500 acres in the country, and has the best buildings to be found in the county, all erected by himself. The house is a two story frame, 16 × 40, with a one story L fifty feet long and sixteen feet wide, and a porch running the entire length of the L. He also has a very large cistern under cover. He has two large frame barns, one 30 × 40, two stories high, and the other 30 × 50 feet, also two stories high, with out-sheds on the sides. On his farm on the Cache he has built another house on the same plan as his home place, and he is also building a good barn there. He was married to Miss Emily S. Cox, who lived but eighteen months after marriage, and died in 1871, leaving him a son, Arthur Lee, who is attending the home school. For his second wife Mr. Blackshare married Miss Mary A. Ellis, daughter of Rev. Ira O. Ellis, who came here from Mississippi, where his father, Rev. Reuben Ellis, was an itinerant preacher in the Methodist Church, South, Mrs. Ira O. Ellis is still living in Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. Blackshare were born these children: Ezra O., Annie (who is dead), Edgar M., Angie, Lena and Jennie. Mr. Blackshare belongs to the I. O. O. F., and is also a member of the Masonic fraternity, into which order he was initiated about the time he was twenty-one years of age. In his political views he affiliates with the Democratic party. In 1871 he engaged in the mercantile business at Big Creek, with his father, buying out the interest of Judge Royall, paying $500 on time for the goods, and in 1878 removed to Boydsville. This business he continued until January, 1888, having in the meantime several partners; first the firm was J. & W. S. Blackshare, then for eight years he was in company with his brother, R. B. Blackshare, under the firm title of W. S. Blackshare & Co., and was then with Judge Royall for three years, the firm title continuing the same. In 1888 he disposed of his stock to A. L. Blackshare, who now conducts the business in the same building. In connection with his seventeen years at merchandising, Mr. Blackshare devoted some of his time to farming, and is at present junior partner of Royall & Blackshare, real estate dealers. He is a pleasant, genial gentleman, a good conversationalist, and has a host of warm friends. He is a splendid man physically, and although forty years of age does not look a day over thirty. [Biographical and historical memoirs of northeast Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the state ... biographies of distinguished citizens ... a brief descriptive history ... of the counties .. by Goodspeed Publishing Co; Presley, Leister E., Mrs, 1889]

A. L. Blackshare Biography

A. L. Blackshare, of Boydsville, another prominent and much respected citizen of Clay County. Ark., was born in Tennessee, in 1856, and came to Clay County, Ark., in 1880. He followed agricultural pursuits for two years, and in 1885 bought out the stock of Mrs. Ella Blackshare, widow of R. B. Blackshare, and began business in Boydsville. This he continued for two years, and then sold out to J. S. Blackshare, after which he purchased the stock of W. S. Blackshare & Co., and is now engaged in that business, under the firm title of A. L. Blackshare. Aside from this he is also occupied in milling and manufacturing, under the business title of Blackshare & Blackshare. In 1886 he was elected to the position of treasurer of the company, and was re-elected in 1888. Miss Ada Berton, a native of Arkansas, and the daughter of Robert Berton, became his wife, and to them were born two children, one now living: Robert Bascom. The other child. Ernest, died at the age of one year. Mr. Blackshare is a member of the Masonic fraternity. [Biographical and historical memoirs of northeast Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the state ... biographies of distinguished citizens ... a brief descriptive history ... of the counties .. by Goodspeed Publishing Co; Presley, Leister E., Mrs, 1889]

Larry Boshers Biography

Larry Boshers. This successful young planter and stockman, of Clay County, of which he has been a resident for seventeen years, is well and favorably known to the many citizens of Kilgore Township. He was born in the State of Tennessee, in 1862, being the seventh of fourteen children of Henry and Tabitha (Stewart) Boshers, who were also originally rom that State, the former being a planter by occupation, and there he died. After his death his widow came to Clay County, Ark., and here died on her farm, in 1882. Larry Boshers was early taught the rudiments of farm life, becoming still better acquainted with that calling as he grew to manhood, and is now considered one of the enterprising, thorough and reliable young agriculturists of the county. In 1880 be made his first purchase of land, which amounted to forty acres, in a raw state, and has since added from time to time to this tract, until he now has a valuable farm consisting of 480 acres, with 175 under cultivation, the rest being well adapted to raising stock, to which Mr. Boshers gives considerable attention. He devotes seventy-five acres to the culture of cotton each year. He votes with the Democratic party, is a member of the Agricultural Wheel. and, personally, is held in high esteem by all who know him. Miss Jennie Montgomery, a native of Clay County, became his wife in 1880, and died in 1884, having borne two children. both deceased. Her parents were Daniel and Polly Montgomery. [Biographical and historical memoirs of northeast Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the state ... biographies of distinguished citizens ... a brief descriptive history ... of the counties .. by Goodspeed Publishing Co; Presley, Leister E., Mrs, 1889]

Giles Bowers Biography

Giles Bowers, carpenter and builder of Boydsville, and one of the successful business men of that village, is a native of North Carolina, and remained in his native State until twenty-seven years of age. He was engaged in gold mining until the breaking out of the late war, when he enlisted in the Forty-ninth North Carolina Infantry, in April, 1862, and served until the termination of hostilities. He was in Gen. Lee's army, in Gen. Matt. W. Ransom's brigade, and participated in the seven days' fight at Richmond, at Gen. McClellan's defeat, and was in all the fights and campaigns before Richmond. He was at the second battle of Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and was captured at Five Forks and placed on Johnson Island. Ohio, as a prisoner of war, being discharged there from June 18, 1865. He then returned to North Carolina, remaining until the spring of 1868, when he came to what is now Clay County, and, settling on a farm, tilled the soil until 1879. He is the owner of 120 acres of land, with about seventy acres under cultivation. In the last mentioned year he opened up a carpenter shop, having learned the trade in previous years, and has erected the principal part of the buildings in Boydsville. At one time he was a member of the firm of Bowers & Toombs, and later of the firm of Bowers & Downs. Mr. Bowers also manufactures seats and desks for church and school purposes. He has been married twice: first, to Miss Elizabeth Almond, of North Carolina, who bore him ten children, eight of whom survive and are named as follows: Josephine, wife of James Mooning, and the mother of two children, is now living on a farm in Sharp County; John W. is engaged in business in Boydsville; Flora J., married to C. M. King, a farmer of Clay County, is the mother of three children; Nancy A. is at home with her father; Kittie Belle, wife of James W. Dobbins, a farmer near Boydsville; Frederick C., Giles L. and Brantly H. The mother of these children died in September, 1885. For his second wife Mr. Bowers chose Miss Maggie J. Matthews, who survived only seventeen months after marriage, and left a child, which followed its mother to the grave but a month later. Mr. Bowers is a Republican, and is somewhat active in politics, having done valiant work for that party. Although not a member of any church, he works in harmony with all good people for the benefit of the community and for his fellow men. [Biographical and historical memoirs of northeast Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the state ... biographies of distinguished citizens ... a brief descriptive history ... of the counties .. by Goodspeed Publishing Co; Presley, Leister E., Mrs, 1889]

W. D. Bowers Biography

W. D. Bowers. Among the extensive industrial enterprises which form the basis of Clay County's importance and prosperity is the stave and head factory located at Corning, in which Mr. Bowers has worked for ten years, and of which he has been foreman two years, working his way up to that position from a mill-hand. His native State is Ohio, his birth having occurred in Harrison County in 1851, and his parents were also from that State. They were Jacob and Lavina Bowers, nee Downs, the father being a tiller of the soil and successful in his calling, which occupation he continued to follow until his death in 1881. His wife is still living and makes her home in her native State. W. D. Bowers, like the majority of youths, bent his energies to learning the occupation in which his father was engaged, and also acquired a good education in the public schools of Harrison County. After the late Civil War he joined the regular army of the United States, and was stationed at different points in the South, but in 1879 he came to Corning, Ark., and began working in the mill in which he is now employed. His wife, whom he married in 1879, and who was formerly Miss Lenora Powell, was born in Tennessee, and was a daughter of B. C. Powell and wife, also of that State, the former now residing near Austin, and the latter deceased. In 1883 Mr. Bowers lost his excellent wife, she having borne him two children, one of whom is living, Floyd. In 1886 Mr. Bowers was married in Union County, Ill., to Miss Mary Stew art, a native of Indiana. Her parents. Henry and Jane (Pollock) Stewart, were Ohio people, who moved first to Indiana and from there to Cape Girardean County, Mo., where they opened up a farm in 1874, and later kept a hotel at Doniphan. Here Mr. Stewart died in 1887, his wife having died in Indiana, in 1885. He enlisted in the Union army from Indiana, at the breaking out of the Civil War. Mr. Bowers has never been very active in polities. Socially he is a member of the K. of H. He is very public spirited, and has always practiced those principles of fairness and honesty which are bound to command the respect and admiration of all right-minded people. [Biographical and historical memoirs of northeast Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the state ... biographies of distinguished citizens ... a brief descriptive history ... of the counties .. by Goodspeed Publishing Co; Presley, Leister E., Mrs, 1889]

C. Fred. Brennecke Biography

C. Fred. Brennecke, editor of the Clay County Advocate, at Greenway, Ark., was born in Cape Girardeau County, Mo., December 19, 1866, being a son of Frederick Brennecke, a native of Germany, who came to the United States with his parents when a lad of ten years and settled in Cape Girardeau County, Mo., where he grew to manhood and was married, the latter event being in the city of Cape Girardean to Miss Dona Hunze, who was born in Germany. Mr. Brennecke served in the Union army during the late war. Since about 1865 he has resided in Cape Girardean, and is in he service of Col. Robert Sturdivant. C. Fred, Brennecke grew to manhood in his native county, and learned the printer's trade in Cape Girardean, commencing when thirteen years of age and continuing for about four and one half years. From this place he went to Jefferson City, but only worked there a short time, when he moved to Higginsville, La Fayette County, Mo., where he followed his trade for two years. Subsequently he came to Greenway, Ark., and became associated with Mr. Dollison in the publication of the Advocate, having charge of the mechanical department one year. January 2, 1889, he became sole proprietor, and is now editor and publisher of that paper. It is the leading newspaper of the county and is independent in politics. Mr. Brennecke receives a liberal amount of advertising, and his journal has the largest circulation of any paper in the county. He is a practical printer, a thorough business man, and is of exemplary habits and character. He was elected a member of the town board, and is now town recorder. [Biographical and historical memoirs of northeast Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the state ... biographies of distinguished citizens ... a brief descriptive history ... of the counties .. by Goodspeed Publishing Co; Presley, Leister E., Mrs, 1889]

Jacob Brobst Biography

Jacob Brobst, the present mayor of Corning, and county jailer of the Western division of Clay County, Ark., is descended from a family that has held a worthy place in the history of this country, and wherever its representatives have settled they have became recognized as prominent and influential members of society. He was born in Columbus, Ohio, on the 18th of June, 1839, and of this State his parents. John and Catherine (Bachar) Brobst, were among the pioneer settlers. The father is still living and resides in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, but the mother died in 1874. Jacob followed the occupation of his father until eighteen years of age, receiving in the meantime a good education in the public schools of Wyandot County, Ohio, and after starting out to fight the battle of life for himself he worked at the carpenter's trade and taught school, securing in the latter profession the reputation of being one of the best educators in the county. Miss L. M. England, a native of Hancock County, Ohio, became his wife in 1862, and their union was blessed in the birth of two children: J. R., who is married and resides at home, and Mary Alice, also at home. Mrs. Brobst's parents, Robert and Ellen (Lape) England. were Ohio people, the former being a farmer who died in 1875. His widow is a resident of Goshen, Ind. In 1864 Mr. Brobst went to Fort Wayne, Ind., and was engaged in railroading in that State until 1879, when he took up his abode in Corning, Ark., which was at that time a very small place, and has since given his attention to carpentering. He votes with the Democratic party, and has been jailer of the West division for three years; was first elected to the position of mayor in 1882, next in 1883, and is now serving his third term. During 1884-85-86 and 1887 he was a member of the city council, and has also been deputy assessor of the Western division of Clay County. He was foreman of the grand jury that found the indictment by which the second man of the Ku Klux was hung, thus breaking up that gang in this section of the country. He is the owner of some fine residence property in the town, and besides this has a fertile and well tilled farm of 320 acres in Nelson Township. He believes in building up this place, and has done his full share in this direction. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. [Biographical and historical memoirs of northeast Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the state ... biographies of distinguished citizens ... a brief descriptive history ... of the counties .. by Goodspeed Publishing Co; Presley, Leister E., Mrs, 1889]

J. W. Brown Biography

J. W. Brown, a farmer residing near Vidette, Ark., was born in Hardin County, Tenn., February 26, 1835, and is a son of John and Sarah (Garner) Brown, who were Tennesseeans, the mother dying in her native State when the subject of this sketch was a small boy. J. W. Brown was reared on a farm in his native county and in 1854 emigrated to Arkansas, coming by wagon, and located on the farm where he now lives. His place was heavily covered with timber when he located, but he soon erected a little log cabin and began clearing his land. He was compelled to work very hard, but made good headway, and now has one of the most valuable farms in the county, consisting of 200 acres, with about 100 acres under cultivation. Game of all kinds was quite abundant when he first came to the State, and one time he brought down a bear with his trusty rifle. In 1862 he enlisted in Company B, Col. White's regiment, and during six months' service was in the battle of Crane Hill. Owing to rheumatism he was compelled to leave the army. His first wife was Patience Vassar, and his second Emily Sloan, by whom he had a family of seven children, four now living: Henry, Amanda, George W. and Sarah E. Both these wives were Tennesseeans, whom he married while living in that State. His present wife, whose maiden name was Martha Garner, has borne him three children: Minnie A., Ida M. and Reuben A. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are members of the Christian Church, and he is a member of the Masonic order. [Biographical and historical memoirs of northeast Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the state ... biographies of distinguished citizens ... a brief descriptive history ... of the counties .. by Goodspeed Publishing Co; Presley, Leister E., Mrs, 1889]

Andrew J. Brown Biography

Andrew J. Brown, merchant and postmaster at Piggott, Ark., is one of the prominent residents of the county, and in his business as well as social relations has won the confidence and respect of all who know him. His birth occurred in Union County, Ill., June 15, 1843, his parents, Samuel and Annie (Dillow) Brown, being natives of the same State. They reared their family on a farm in Union County, and here Andrew J. Brown remained until twenty-five years of age, enlisting in 1862 in the One Hundred and Ninth Illinois Infantry, which was afterward consolidated with the Eleventh Illinois, and served until he received his discharge at Springfield on the 15th of July, 1865. He was in the fight at Vicksburg on the 4th of July, 1863, and was at Yazoo City, Fort Spanish, and the surrender of Mobile. He was in the hospital at La Grange, Tenn., a short time, and in 1868 removed to Arkansas and located in what is now Clay County, where he was occupied in farming for a few years. In 1879 he embarked in merchandising, and in 1882 located at Piggott, where he erected a business house and has since been engaged in keeping a general mercantile establishment, and has built up a good trade. He was appointed postmaster of the town in April, 1883, which office he has since held. He and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church (in which he is a deacon), and he is a member of the G. A. R. organization, and is quartermaster of his post. He was married on the 28th of December, 1868, to Miss M. J. Pollard, a sister of W. W. Pollard, whose sketch appears in this work, and they are the parents of the following children: Henry O., a lad of twelve years; Cindona, a daughter, who died March 11, 1889, at the age of seventeen years, and an infant deceased. [Biographical and historical memoirs of northeast Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the state ... biographies of distinguished citizens ... a brief descriptive history ... of the counties .. by Goodspeed Publishing Co; Presley, Leister E., Mrs, 1889]

Hiram Calvin Biography

Hiram Calvin, of the firm of Clemson & Calvin, although a young man, is one of the most successful business men in this portion of the State. He has been running the business exclusively for six and a half years last, having come to this point with a stock of goods in December, 1882. He passed through the country eighteen months before the road was built, and, from what he reported, his partner in Illinois bought 4,200 acres of timber land, about half of which still belongs to the estate. They commenced business in Clay County, Ark., with a stock of goods worth $2,497, which has been increased since then to $3,500. In addition to the store, the firm own a stave-mill, which they operate, and a farm of 120 acres, all under improvement and well stocked. They have also been interested in steamboats on the river, and still own a small interest there. The original and only investment in goods and buildings amounted to $3,100, and, at a very low estimate, profits worth $10,000, and the first investment, have been paid out. Hiram Calvin is the son of R. T. Calvin and Angie (Rifner) Calvin, and the grandson, on his mother's side, of Peter and Elizabeth (Rockafellow) Rifner. Peter Rifner was a soldier in the War of 1812, being commissioned by Gen. Harrison as commander of a company. R. T. Calvin was born in New Jersey, and emigrated to Harrison, Ohio, when a young man. There he married Miss Rifner. Hiram Calvin casts his vote with the Democratic party, and is a member of the "Triple Alliance." He married Miss Gussie Boren, daughter of Cole Boren, of Mound City, Ill., who was a pilot on the Mississippi River, and whose father, Morgan Boren, was born in Tennessee, in 1789, he being a soldier in the Black Hawk War. The latter married Miss Anna Lathran, of Tennessee. To Mr. and Mrs. Calvin have been born three children: Fannie, Gussie and Aggie. Mr. Clemson died March 30, 1889, at his residence near Olmsted, Ill., aged sixty-four years and ten days. [Biographical and historical memoirs of northeast Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the state ... biographies of distinguished citizens ... a brief descriptive history ... of the counties .. by Goodspeed Publishing Co; Presley, Leister E., Mrs, 1889]

William A. Campbell Biography

William A. Campbell was born in Greene County, Mo., April 10, 1848, being a son of William and Nancy Campbell, and grandson of James and Lucy Campbell and James and Hannie Collins, who were natives of Patrick County, Va. William Campbell, Sr., was a farmer, and moved to Missouri in 1845, residing in Greene County until 1852, when he removed to Cass County, and two years later to Kansas Territory. He continued to make this his home until 1867, since which time he has been a resident of Vernon County, Mo., and is now living at Milo, of that county, engaged in merchandising. He and wife are the parents of the following family: John W., a resident of Arizona Territory, engaged in the milling business; George W., who died in Newton County, Mo., in 1886; Marthie E., who died in Greene County, Mo., in 1846: William A., James E., who died in Vernon County, Mo., in 1872; Isaac F., a merchant of Arizona Territory; Melissa J., who died in Bourbon County, Kas., in 1859; Thomas H., who died in Crawford County, Kas., in 1863; David H., a blacksmith at El Paso, Tex.; Melissa, married Charles Baker in 1883, and resides in Crawford County, Kas. William A. Campbell began life for himself in 1863, when only sixteen years old, at which time he enlisted in the Federal army, in Company B. Fourteenth Regiment of Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, under Capt. Charles H. Haynes, and Col. C. W. Blair, in which regiment he served until June 15, 1865, then being honorably discharged with the balance of his regiment, at Lawrence. Kas. He then went to Southeast Kansas, where he joined his parents, staying there until May 20, 1866, the date of his marriage to Miss Rebecca A. Cooper, afterward moving to McDonald County. Mo., and from there to El Paso, Tex., where he lived one year. Going thence to Benton County, Ark., he lived there two years and later settled in NewtonCounty. Mo., but after a residence in that locality until 1884, moved to Clay County, Ark., reaching this place November 17, 1884. Here he still resides. He bought 320 acres of heavily timbered land, and now has eighteen acres cleared and under fence, with a young orchard of 100 apple trees of a select variety. William A. Campbell was elected justice of the peace in his county, October 20, 1888, which office he still holds. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Rebecca A. Campbell, his wife, is the daughter of Hiram and Lucinda Cooper, and was born in McDonald County, Mo., March 7, 1848. Her father died when she was four years old, and when she was seven years old her mother died, leaving her and one sister and two brothers to fight the battle of life as best they could. The oldest child was only ten years of age. She lived in McDonald County, Mo., until the spring of 1862, when she moved to Southeast Kansas with relatives, residing there until her marriage in 1866. William A. and Rebecca A. Campbell are the parents of six children: George W., the eldest, died in Jasper County. Mo., in 1872; John W. died in Mexico, in 1874: Alexander died in Mexico in 1874; John W. and Alexander (twins) died on the same day; Lucinda J., Martha E., and Rosa A., the youngest child, still remain with their parents. William C. Cochran, merchant of Greenway, Ark., was born in Massac County, Ill., September 4, 1854, his father, Jesse Cochran, being a native of North Carolina. The latter went to Illinois when a young man, where he was married to Jane Sexton, and resided in Massac County up to 1856, when he moved to Arkansas and settled in what is now Clay County. Here he entered land, made a farm, and reared a family. His death occurred in September, 1869. William C. Cochran and two sisters are the only surviving members of a family of six children. He was reared in Clay County, his youth being spent on a farm. He was married in this county on the 5th of December, 1881, to Miss Sarah E. Leeth, a daughter of John A. Leeth, formerly from Tennessee, now deceased. Mrs. Cochran was born in Tennessee, but was reared in Clay County, and by Mr. Cochran is the mother of one child, who is living: Lura, now six years old. Jesse died in January, 1886, at the age of five months. Mr. Cochran had been engaged in farming and the ginning business previous to his marriage, and afterwards continued the former occupation for three years. In August, 1885, he commenced merchandising at Greenway and has been interested in that business since that time. He was appointed deputy postmaster in 1885 and served two years. He carries an excellent stock of general merchandise, and has built up a good trade. He is a Mason and belongs to the I. O. O. F. [Biographical and historical memoirs of northeast Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the state ... biographies of distinguished citizens ... a brief descriptive history ... of the counties .. by Goodspeed Publishing Co; Presley, Leister E., Mrs, 1889]

Robert L. Coleman Biography

Robert L. Coleman. proprietor of Piggott Hotel, Piggott, Ark., and the son of Col. David and Sarah (Love) Coleman, was born in Haywood County. N. C., March 26, 1823. Col. David Coleman was a native of North Carolina, but moved to Tennessee at an early day, locating in Carroll County, where he followed farming, and there remained until his death. He served as colonel of the State militia. His wife, Sarah Love, was also a native of North Carolina. Her father, Gen. Thomas Love, was in the Revolutionary War as well as the War of 1812. Robert L. Coleman was reared to manhood on a farm in Tennessee, read law in Carroll County and was admitted to the bar, after which he practiced there until his removal to Missouri in 1851. He then located at Hartsville, Wright County, practiced there for three years and upon returning to Tennessee, engaged in mercantile pursuits until the breaking out of the late war, when he enlisted in the Confederate service, in 1862, in Col. Napier's regiment. He remained in this regiment for about eight months, afterward being in Col. Green's regiment, where he was promoted to adjutant and served in that capacity. He was captured at Parke's Cross Roads by Gen. Sullivan, was held a prisoner at Camp Douglas for over three months, and was then exchanged. He then returned to Tennessee and did not enter the service again. He resumed the practice of law in Carroll County for about three years, but finally gave up law. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, for many years and was licensed to preach in 1868. He was a local preacher in his church for some years. He was ordained deacon in 1870 at Trenton, Tenn., by Bishop McTyre, and followed his ministerial duties in Tennessee up to 1875, when he moved to Arkansas, settling at Oak Bluff in Clay County, and there resided for a number of years. He taught school for nine months, and then engaged in the manufacture of tobacco in 1878, which occupation he has followed up to the present date. He built his hotel in the fall of 1888 and moved in December. His is the first and last and only hotel in Piggott. Mr. Coleman was married in Carroll County, Tenn., December 4, 1850, to Miss Harriet E. Norman, a native of Carroll County, and the daughter of Judge John Norman. To this union were born three children, two daughters and a son: Sarah N., wife of Albert Hubbard, of Piggott; Mollie A., widow, and John R., who died May 7, 1883, in his twenty-fifth year. Mr. Coleman was ordained local elder here in 1881 by the same bishop that ordained him deacon in Tennessee. [Biographical and historical memoirs of northeast Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the state ... biographies of distinguished citizens ... a brief descriptive history ... of the counties .. by Goodspeed Publishing Co; Presley, Leister E., Mrs, 1889]

G. W. Cook Biography

G. W. Cook is a successful agriculturist and stockman of Oak Bluff Township, Clay County, Ark., and was born in Weakley County, West Tenn., in 1840, being the youngest in a family of seven children born to Richard A. and Ann (David) Cook, both of whom were born in Old Virginia. At an early day they moved to West Tennessee, where the father opened up a farm and there died in 1860, at the age of fifty-eight years. His widow came to Greene County, Ark., in August, 1874, and here died in October of the same year at the age of seventy-six years. G. W. Cook grew to manhood in his native State, and received his education in Weakley County, being also married there, in 1864, to Miss M. M. Jenkins, a daughter of C. P. and Mary G. (Boothe) Jenkins, who were born in North Carolina, and were early immigrants of Tennessee, where they became wealthy farmers and spent their declining years, the father dying in 1889 and the mother in 1872. After his marriage Mr. Cook settled on the old homestead, and there made his home until 1873, when he came to Greene County, Ark., and purchased a timber tract of eighty acres, which he cleared and sold in 1888. In 1874 he moved to Clay County, and five years later purchased the farm on which he is at present residing, which consisted of 120 acres, with thirty acres under the plow. He has increased his lands until he now has 960 acres, 200 of which are under cultivation, in the home farm, and 320 acres, with thirty-two under cultivation, in Blue Cane Township, Greene County. He is interested in stock raising, and makes a specialty of Berkshire and Poland China hogs. His principal crop is corn. He has never been very active in politics, but usually votes the Democratic ticket. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M. lodge at Rector, and is interested in all worthy public enterprises. He is in every respect a self-made man, and all his property has been acquired by his own exertions. He and wife are the parents of the following children: Ella, now Mrs. Bolton; Daniel Elvis, Joseph, Oda and Edar living, and six children deceased. In 1861 Mr. Cook enlisted in Weakley County in Company C, Fifty-second Tennessee Infantry, and was mustered into service at Henderson Station, afterward participating in the battle of Shiloh. At the end of six months he returned home. [Biographical and historical memoirs of northeast Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the state ... biographies of distinguished citizens ... a brief descriptive history ... of the counties .. by Goodspeed Publishing Co; Presley, Leister E., Mrs, 1889]

Fred W. Cooper Biography

Fred W. Cooper, merchant of Greenway, Clay County, Ark., was born on the 9th of October, 1866, in Pulaski County, Ill., his parents, C. C. and Georgia (McDonald) Cooper, being also born in that State. Mr. Cooper was a merchant of Caledonia, Ill., for a number of years and died there in May, 1877. Fred W. Cooper remained with his father until the latter's death and received his education in the common schools of Illinois and in Cincinnati, Ohio. After spending about one year in the "Lone Star State" he located in Clay County. Ark., in July, 1887, where he bought property, erected a store building, and engaged in merchandising, carrying a large and select stock of shelf and heavy hardware, farming implements and furniture. He has built up a good trade and is making money. He was married in Pulaski County, November 9, 1887, to Miss Gertrude Williamson, a native of Ohio, who was reared and educated in Pulaski County, Ill. Mr. and Mrs. Cooper are the parents of one child, Velaria. Mr. Cooper is a young man of energy, push and enterprise, and possessing excellent business qualifications, is certain to succeed in whatever he undertakes. [Biographical and historical memoirs of northeast Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the state ... biographies of distinguished citizens ... a brief descriptive history ... of the counties .. by Goodspeed Publishing Co; Presley, Leister E., Mrs, 1889]

Henry B. Cox Biography

Henry B. Cox, a prominent merchant of Rector, Ark., was born February 13, 1843, in Weakley County, Tenn. His parents were William A. Cox and Hiley Cox, natives, respectively, of Buckingham County, Va., and Giles County, Tenn. William A. Cox, the father of our subject, was born March 22, 1815. He was of Scotch Irish descent. Remaining in his native State until twelve years of age, he emigrated with his parents to Tennessee, which State at that time was wild and sparsely inhabited, and furnished very limited means of education. Still, William A. Cox, in the face of every disadvantage, by his own extraordinary efforts, succeeded in qualifying himself for business affairs, and filled various important stations. In 1838 he was married to Mrs. Hiley Schofield, widow of Thomas Schofield., and daughter of Asa and Nancy Magee of Tennessee. Resulting from this union were six children: Ballard C., Leamma M., Henry B. (subject of this sketch). William A., Jr., Emily S. and Amanda Cox, Ballard C. Cox was killed at the battle of Chiekamauga while in the Confederate service. Amanda and Emily S., late wife of W. S. Blackshare, are also deceased. In 1857 William A. Cox and family emigrated from Tennessee to Greene County, Ark., and settled three miles north of the town of Oak Bluff. The woods at that time abounded in wild animals. School and church privileges were very limited. During the late war William A. Cox remained at home, but he was a Southern sympathizer. In religion he was a Presbyterian, but was identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, at the time of his death, in 1871. Mrs. Hiley Cox is still living, and is a resident of Clay County, Ark. (Clay County was formerly a part of Greene County.) The paternal grandfather, John Cox, was a native of Virginia, as was also his wife. He was of Scotch descent, and was a farmer by occupation. The maternal grandparents were of Tennessee. The grandfather participated in the Indian wars. He was engaged in the memorable battle of Horseshoe Bend. Henry B. Cox was thirteen years of age when the family removed to Arkansas. He remained at home on the farm until March, 1862, when he enlisted in Company D, Twenty-fifth Arkansas Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. G. D. Byers, Confederate army. He was elected third lieutenant at Corinth, Miss. At Readerville, Tenn., he was promoted to first lieutenant. He was in the battles at Richmond, Ky., and Murfreesboro, Tenn., as well as numerous smaller engagements. At Murfreesboro he was wounded in the right foot, which resulted in much suffering and long confinement in the MedicalCollege Hospital, at Atlanta, Ga., of which Dr. Willis Westmoreland was chief surgeon. In 1863, near Griffin, Ga., he was married to Miss Addie E. Lavender, daughter of Judge James Lavender, a native of Georgia. For two years after his marriage he was engaged in farming. In 1867, in Carroll County, Ga., he went into the mercantile business. He emigrated to Greene County, Ark., in 1867, and is still occupied in the same business. By his marriage Mr. Cox became the father of nine children, as follows: Charles M. B., Augusta O., Eugene H., Cora B., Mary F., Annie L., Dreas L., Augustus C. and Hubert D. Cox. Of these there are surviving only Charles M. B., Cora B., Mary F. and Dreas L. Cox. The wife of Mr. Cox, Mrs. Addie E. Cox, passed from this life into the future on July 9, 1880, at the age of thirty-six years. Mr. Cox, afterward married Miss Laura I. Cox, a native of Missouri, and daughter of Rev. J. W. Cox, of the Methodist Protestant Church. To this union were born two children: Addie B. and Everett; the last named died at the age of four months. Mr. Cox established his business in Rector in 1882. He was the purchaser of the first lot sold in town, and has been quite successful. Mr. Cox and family are members of the Methodist Protestant Church. He was ordained a minister in 1872. He has been a member of the Masonic order since 1866, and took the Chapter and Council degrees in 1867, at Carrollton, Carroll County, Ga. He is a Democrat in politics; a stanch advocate of the principles of prohibition, he supported Gen. Fisk for president in 1888. In personal appearance Mr. Cox is tall and imposing; is six feet and two inches, and weighs 200 lbs. He has dark-brown eyes, and wears a heavy, full beard. [Biographical and historical memoirs of northeast Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the state ... biographies of distinguished citizens ... a brief descriptive history ... of the counties .. by Goodspeed Publishing Co; Presley, Leister E., Mrs, 1889]

Thomas J. Crews Biography

Thomas J. Crews, farmer and stock raiser of St. Francis Township, Clay County, Ark., was born in Bedford County, Tenn., August 1, 1847, and is the son of Dr. John Crews, a native of Virginia, and Mary A. (Tribble) Crews. Dr. John Crews was reared in his native State and was married twice, his first wife bearing him two sons and three daughters, all now deceased but one, a daughter. His second marriage was to the mother of our subject, who bore him four children, two sons and two daughters, all of whom grew to mature years. The Doctor moved from Bedford to Weakley County, residing there some nine years, engaged in farming, and then, about 1857, he moved with his family to Arkansas, locating in what is now Clay County, made a farm and there resided until his death, which occurred in December, 1876. Thomas J. Crews grew to manhood on the farm in Clay County, remaining with his parents until grown, and was married in that county September 1, 1872, to Miss Mary J. Lively, a native of Arkansas, and the daughter of William Lively, and sister of Rev. Lively, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. After his marriage Mr. Crews settled in the neighborhood where he now lives, and after his father's death he came to the old home and bought out the heirs. He has 50 acres of land with about 125 fenced and under cultivation. Mrs. Crews died February 12, 1878, and since then Mr. Crews' mother, who is still living, has been his housekeeper. Mr. Crews is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Wisdom Lodge No. 343, and has filled all the official positions in his lodge. He has represented the lodge in the grand lodge two different times. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 56, at Piggott, and is Noble Grand of this lodge. He has served as district deputy for four years, and has represented this lodge and Clark Bluff a number of times. He is a prominent man and an excellent citizen. [Biographical and historical memoirs of northeast Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the state ... biographies of distinguished citizens ... a brief descriptive history ... of the counties .. by Goodspeed Publishing Co; Presley, Leister E., Mrs, 1889]

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