GOODSPEED'S
Desha
County, Arkansas
BIOGRAPHIES
Transcribed by Louis Reitzammer
from
Biographical and Historical
Memoirs of Southern Arkansas
Goodspeed Publishing Company (1890)
Goodspeed's
Desha County, Arkansas, History
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JAMES B. AMBURN, proprietor of the Hotel Saloon, and a farmer of Franklin Township, was born in East Tennessee in 1858, and is the son of Gabriel and Elizabeth J. (Haynes) Amburn, natives, also, of Tennessee. Gabriel Amburn moved to Louisiana in 1859, engaged in the blacksmith's trade, but of late years has been tilling the soil successfully in connection. He moved to Arkansas on January 8, 1870, settled where he now lives in Chicot County, and is now busily employed upon his farm. Although he is now getting along in years, and is quite well fixed in this world's goods, he still does a little smithing for his neighbors and himself. Of the four children born to his marriage, two only are now living: Robert F. H. and James B. Those deceased were named: Frankie L. (died at the age of five years), and Sallie Ann (died at the age of twenty-six years, and was the wife of S. M. Raborn, of Chicot County). The mother of these children died on July 19, 1889, at the age of sixty-six years. By a former marriage she became the mother of three children: Joe (now residing in Bowie, Montague County, Tex.), Elizabeth J. (widow of a Mr. Rogers), and W. B. F. (who resides at Point Comfort, Chicot County, Ark., and is an extensive planter). James B. Amburn was principally educated in Chicot County, Ark., but finished in Desha County. He began farming on his father's place at the age of twenty-two years, and rented land of him for two years. In 1882 he engaged as clerk for J. C. Crenshaw, and was with him but one year, when he went to Little Rock, and engaged in the dairy business for one year. In 1884 he embarked in the saloon business at Trippe Station, as partner of R. D. Crenshaw, but was there only one year, when he moved to Arkansas City (1885), following the same occupation as before. He has been very successful at this, has one of the finest bars in the city, and has a large trade. He is gentlemanly and courteous in his intercourse with the public, and extends a warm welcome to the stranger entering his place of business. He is also interested in farming, and owns a nice farm of 156 acres, in Chicot County, with forty acres under cultivation. He is also renting in his county a large plantation of 600 acres, known as the Duffin Place, and devotes much of his time to this farm, while he rents his own. He was married in September, 1888, to Miss Ida May Leverett, of Arkansas City. She was born in Desha County in 1865. Mr. Amburn is a member of the K. of P., Valley Lodge No. 21, and is treasurer of the Uniformed Rank, Division 12. He is a member of the Grand Lodge of this State. He was elected coroner of the county in 1884, which position he filled in a satisfactory manner. He gives his hearty support to all enterprises that tend to develop the resources of his county, and is one of the thorough business men of the place.
CAPT. JAMES A. ANDERSON, a planter and stock dealer, was born in Amite County, Miss., in 1830, being a son of John B. and Sarah (Way) Anderson, who were born in South Carolina, and there married, their union resulting in the birth of six sons and two daughters, only two of the family, James A. and Joseph W., now living. The father died in 1838, his wife preceding him to their long home in 1834. Capt. James A. Anderson was married in Louisiana in 1855 to Miss Susan Montgomery, and a family of eleven children has been born to them, of whom the following are living: Anna C. (wife of C. F. Wells, a merchant and planter, now doing business at Dermott, Chicot County, Ark.), Mary (wife of W. J. Raborn, a planter of Chicot County), James G., Philander S., Ellen D. and Sue. The mother of these children was born in Louisiana about the year 1835, was a worthy member of the Presbyterian Church, and was an excellent wife, mother and neighbor. Mr. Anderson was a soldier in the late war, enlisting in Company B, under Capt. W. D. Trotter, and served until the surrender in 1865. He was first second lieutenant of his company, but was afterward promoted to the rank of captain. He has been a resident of Arkansas since 1852, but first resided in Chicot County, and there purchased land. He built him a log cabin, improved his place, and is now, by his own exertions, one of the wealthy agriculturists of this portion of the State, being the owner of 1,200 acres of land, with 500 acres under cultivation. He is a Master Mason, and in his political views is a Democrat, his first presidential vote being cast for Zachary Taylor.
DAVID C. ATKINSON. In giving a history of the worthy residents of Desha County, Ark., mention should not fail to be made of Mr. Atkinson, for he is a progressive tiller of the soil, and a man possessing many worthy qualities. He was born in the county in 1855, and is a son of John and Mary N. (Fossit) Atkinson, who were born in Tennessee and Arkansas, respectively, and his early life was spent on his father's farm, where he learned the details of farm work, and in attending schools. At the age of fifteen years he was sent to Tennessee to finish his studies, and when still but a youth in years, began to fight the battle of life alone as a farmer, and when the fact is mentioned that he has acquired 160 acres of fine land by his own excellent management and energy, he may be said to have been successful. He has forty acres cleared and under cultivation, on which he raises cotton and corn, and in addition to these products, is engaged in raising stock in a small way. He has always been interested in the welfare of his native county, and every worthy public enterprise finds in him a warm supporter. He is a Democrat in his political views, and socially is a member of the K. of H. His union to Miss Celia G. Cromer was celebrated in 1879, she being a daughter of William and Matilda Cromer, both natives of the Blue-Grass State. Mrs. Atkinson is an earnest member of the Methodist Church, and her union with Mr. Atkinson has resulted in the birth of seven children, but one of whom is living: Willie D., Ida M., Johnnie, Eugene, Grover C., and two children unnamed, are dead.
DR. HARVEY N. AUSTIN is an eminent physician and surgeon of Silver Lake Township, but his practice is not alone confined to this locality, but extends over a large area where his skill and talent have been the means of restoring many to health and happiness. He was born in Oxford County, of Canada West, March 9, 1837, and is a son of Henry Austin, a native of New York, who was born in 1790 and died about 1877. He resided in his native State until about fifteen years of age, then removed with his parents to Canada West, and there attained manhood, and made his home until his death, being the owner of a handsome property, which he had accumulated by farming, at the time of his death. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary J. Ross, was born in the Emerald Isle in 1809, and when a child of seven years, was brought by her parents to Canada, where she was reared, educated and married. Her death occurred at Woodstock, Canada, in 1875. They became the parents of four sons and four daughters: William W. (a resident farmer of Oxford County, Canada), Helen (the wife of David Hulet, a farmer of Canada), Harvey N., Edwin (a farmer residing near Niagara Falls, in New York), Minnie (wife of J. W. Buckley, a resident of New York City), John H. (a real estate agent of St. Augustine, Fla.), Elizabeth (the deceased wife of John Combs), and Harriet (the deceased wife of Henry Taylor). Dr. Harvey N. Austin attended the common schools of Canada, but completed his education in the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. He began the study of medicine in Canada with Dr. J. W. Smith, and for two terms attended lectures in the University of Michigan, after which he graduated from the Albany Medical School. At a still later period he attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York, of which noted school he is also a graduate, taking his degree in 1865. He has begun practicing, however, in 1860, after graduating at Albany in 1859, his labors in the "healing art" being first carried on at Lancaster, Mo., where he remained until the Civil War broke out. In June, 1861, he joined the Confederate army as regimental surgeon of the Third Missouri State Militia, and was on hospital duty the most of his service. After the war he settled at Stiles, Iowa, but in 1870 came to his present location, where he has since made his home with the exception of three years, which were spent in the northern part of the State, one year spent at Mulberry and two at Eureka Springs. He is doing an exceptionally fine practice, and holds an enviable place in the estimation of all who know him, both professionally and socially. His wife was born in Arkansas County, Ark., in 1850. Her union with the Doctor was consummated April 29, 1880, and both are active members of the Episcopal Church. The Doctor is a Democrat and a Master Mason.
WILSON F. BESSELLIEU, of the firm of Gates & Bessellieu, of the 'Arkansas City Journal,' was born in Monticello, Drew County, Ark., in 1865, and is the third of ten children born to the union of William F. and Mattie (Henningway) Besselleiu, the father a native of South Carolina, and the mother of Mississippi. William F. Bessellieu is an M. D. by profession, and has been located in Monticello, where he practiced, for many years, since 1860. He has not practiced now for some time on account of an injury received from a fall from a horse. He filled the office of county assessor for a number of years, and was a man who merited the respect and esteem of all. Of the ten children born to his marriage, seven are now living. Elizabeth (wife of John Tardy), Wilson F., Willie S., Annie L., Mary, Wiley and Collie. Mr. and Mrs. Bessellieu are both members of the Baptist Church at Monticello. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and K. of H. Wilson F. Bessellieu was educated in Monticello at the graded school, and at the age of eighteen years entered the printing establishment of James Cothan, on the 'Monticellion,' remaining there three years. He came to his present office in 1887, worked for the proprietor of the 'Journal,' and in 1888 bought one-half interest in the 'Arkansas City Journal,' which he is now engaged in editing, in partnership with David A. Gates. This paper has the largest circulation of any county paper in the State, and its proprietors are young men of ability and progressive ideas. This firm does the county work for this and Chicot Counties, being the official organ for each county. Mr. Bessellieu is a rising young man, and by his courteous and pleasing address has become very popular. He is one who labors for the good of his county, and extends his aid to any and all enterprises that tend to the development of the same.
ROBERT H. BEITH is a man of advanced views, and is a successful planter and merchant of Laconia, Desha County, Ark. He was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1825, and is a son of James and Ann (Hamilton) Beith, who were also born in that land. His advantages were good, and he remained in Scotland until 1846, or until twenty-one years of age, then emigrated to Canada, but in the spring of 1847 came to the United States. The first two years were spent in traveling over the country looking for a suitable location, and for a short time worked as a clerk in St. Louis, after which he went to New Orleans, and began boating on the Mississippi River, which business he continued until the opening of the Civil War. After the cessation of hostilities, he settled in Desha County, Ark., which county has since been his home, his occupation being that of a merchant and planter, in both of which he has been remarkably successful. His mercantile establishment embraces a stock of goods worth about $2,500, and he has land to the amount of 1,600 acres, of which 350 are cleared and in a good state of cultivation. He was married in Memphis, Tenn., in 1856, to Miss Martha Hening, and by her has had a family of seven children: James, Mary A., Robert H., Veronica, William, Martha and Joseph. James, Martha and Mary A. are deceased. Robert, William and Veronica are married and live in homes of their own, but Joseph still resides with his father. Mr. Beith is a Democrat in politics, and is interested in all enterprises for the public weal, supporting them, if worthy of support, both by his influence and liberal contributions of money. He and his wife are Presbyterians in faith.
WILLIAM A. BIRCH is a merchant and farmer now doing business at Tillar, Ark., the style of the firm with which he belongs being Henry Bros. & Birch. Since February he has been associated with Dishongh & Tillar, at Winchester, Drew County, Ark. Mr. Birch was born near Lake Village, in Chicot County, Ark., March 22, 1840, and is a son of William and Pherbia (Haskins) Birch, the former a Kentuckian born about 1813. He was of Scotch-Irish descent, a carpenter by trade, and emigrated from his native State to Arkansas with his parents when a small boy, and was here reared and married, the last event taking place in 1837, his wife being a daughter of Cyrus and Leanah (Ward) Haskins. He died at Point Comfort, Chicot County, February 27, 1867, and his wife in 1844 at the age of twenty-two years. A family of three children was born to them: William A., Calvin (deceased), and Hiram (deceased). After the death of the mother of these children Mr. Birch married Mrs. Adaline Sullivan, the widow of Warren Sullivan, of Chicot County, their marriage taking place in 1857, and their union resulting in the birth of three sons and one daughter, Thomas W. being the only one now living. Alonzo, Joshua and Priscilla are deceased. Mrs. Birch died on March 5, 1867. William A. Birth began life for himself as a farmer on his father's land in the spring of 1866, and continued to till the property until 1876, when he purchased land of his own, and now has a nicely improved farm of 116 acres, on which is a good frame residence, barns and tenant houses, all of which have been acquired since the war, as during that time he lost all his property to the amount of $27,000. May 10, 1861, he enlisted in the Mounted Riflemen, a company made up at Lake Village, under Capt. Jacob McConnell, and with him he participated in the battles of Oak Hill, Farmington, Murfreesboro, Richmond (Ky.), Chickamauga, and all the engagements from Rocky Face Ridge to Atlanta, Jonesboro, Franklin, Nashville and Bentonville. He was paroled at Meridian, Miss., May 10, 1865. January 3, 1867, he was married to Miss Mary J. Scott, a native of Louisiana, born on July 27, 1849, being a daughter of David H. and Eliza (Estill) Scott. Mr. Birch's union resulted in the birth of the following children: Andy, Hiram, Austin, Edwin and Leon living, and David, Ruth and Myrtle dead. Mr. Birch, in addition to managing his farm, is engaged in general merchandising, and carries a stock of goods valued at $5,000. He belongs to the Masonic order, Bronson Lodge No. 113, the K. of H., Tillar Lodge No. 3215, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and he is a steward in the same. Mrs. Birch's father and mother were born in Ohio and Kentucky, respectively, and the former was engaged in farming throughout life. His wife is related to Capt. James Estill, who was massacred by the Indians at the present site of Estill Station, Ky.
CHURCHILL H. BLACKBURN. The agricultural affairs of Desha County, Ark., are ably represented, among others, by the subject of this sketch, who comes of a prominent old family, the Blackburns of Kentucky, some members of which family have for generations been well-known planters and stockmen of the famous Kentucky Blue Grass regions, of whom Col. Edward M. Blackburn, the father of Churchill H., is one of the foremost. He was born in that State in 1787, and died at the ripe old age of eighty-three years, having become, during his long life, well and prominently known for many miles around. He was educated for the profession of law, but this not being congenial to his tastes, he abandoned it to become a tiller of the soil, and found that the excellent education which he had received was essential to the successful conduct of his chosen calling. He was one of a large family of children, and all his brothers were professional men. Church, one brother, became an eminent physician; Luke and William became noted attorneys; Jonathan was also a lawyer of prominence, and George was a Baptist minister of note. Col. Edward M. Blackburn was married to Miss Lavinia Bell, also a Kentuckian, and by her became the father of the following children: George E. (born July 6, 1810, received an excellent education in his youth, graduating from Transylvania College, of Lexington, Ky., when nineteen years of age, and after leaving school adopted farming as his calling, and spent the greater part of his life in his native State, but died in Washington County, Miss., in 1853, at the age of forty-three years), John B. (died in infancy), Frances A. (was born in 1813 and died in Desha County, Ark., several years since), Luke P. (was born in 1815, received excellent educational advantages, and started out in life for himself as a physician; he became prominent in politics, and was elected governor of Kentucky, which capacity he served with distinction. During the yellow fever epidemic in Cuba, he was employed by the English Government as a medical expert to examine and report as to the best methods of treating that fearful scourge, and in this as in all other cases, he discharged his duties faithfully and well. In every walk in life he was true, honest and upright, and he wielded a powerful influence for good over all with whom he came in contact. He died in Louisville, Ky., in 1887, at the age of seventy-three years), Edward L. (was born in 1817 and died in infancy), Mary P. (was born in 1819, and became the wife of Judge Morris of Chicago, dying in 1885), Elizabeth J. (was born April 3, 1821, and became the wife of Gen. T. B. Flournoy, who distinguished himself in the Confederate army, dying in 1861; his widow resides in Greenville, Miss.), William F. (was born in 1823, was a graduate of Oxford College, and chose the law as his profession, and although he died quite young, he had become well known as a lawyer of prominence, Henry B. (was born in 1825, was also a graduate of Oxford College, and became a well-known and prominent physician, this calling receiving his attention for fifty years; he died when about sixty-two years of age), Churchill H. (was next in order of birth, and was born in Woodford County, Ky., in 1827, a short sketch of his life is given below), Edwin M. (was born in 1829, graduated from Transylvania College, and chose the medical profession as his calling; he made an enviable reputation for himself as a surgeon, giving that part of his practice the most of his attention; he pursued his investigations for four years in Europe, and although he died at the untimely age of thirty-six years, he had become eminent; his death occurred in Natchez, Miss.), Breckenridge L. (was born in 1832, graduated from Danville College, and prior to his death, which occurred in Memphis, Tenn., he had acquired a large practice, and was a well-known attorney), James W. (was born in 1834, also graduated from Danville College, and although he is now engaged in planting, on the old homestead in Woodford County, Ky., he is a lawyer by profession and is a well-known politician of that State, having represented his county in the State Legislature, once in the House and once in the Senate), Joe E. Stiles (was born in 1838, graduated from Danville College and became a lawyer; he has attained great prominence, not only in his profession but as a public man, and besides representing his county in the State Legislature, was a member of the United States Senate for six years; he is a man who wields a wide political influence, for he possesses a brilliant intellect, much personal magnetism, and is of dignified and commanding bearing, and fully deserves the popularity and honor which he has gained). Churchill H. Blackburn, the immediate subject of this memoir, spent his youth in his native State, and his knowledge of the world of books was acquired from a private tutor. When almost twenty years of age he was united in marriage to Miss Frances J. Hale, and immediately began life for himself as a merchant, in Frankfort, Ky., continuing there for two years, when he abandoned this work to devote his attention to agriculture, this occupation receiving his attention for five subsequent years. At the end of this time he came to Laconia, Desha County, Ark., purchased a farm, and was engaged in tilling the soil until the opening of the war, his attention being also given to merchandising. In 1862 he joined the Confederate service, Company B, Shank's regiment, Shelby's brigade, and took part in the battles of Helena, Little Rock and numerous skirmishes, but at the end of two years was detailed for scouting duty, and in this capacity served until the final surrender, at which time he returned home to recuperate his shattered fortunes. He resumed his former occupations and gradually fortune smiled on his efforts, and he is now the owner of 500 acres of fine land, and has under cultivation about 350 acres, which will average about 300 bales of cotton each year. He also raises some stock, but has found his greatest profit in cotton. He contributes liberally of his means in the support of worthy movements, but only takes a quiet interest in political matters, although he always votes the Democratic ticket. He is a man who would be an acquisition to any community, for, throughout his career he has endeavored to follow the teaching of the Golden Rule, and has kept his illustrious name pure in the sight of God and man. A family of four children has been born to this union. Henrietta (wife of Capt. J. T. Warfield, the present sheriff of Desha County), Fannie (deceased), Lullie (at home), and Jilson (an enterprising young man, in business for himself). Mrs. Blackburn's parents, Louis and Letitia (Flournoy) Hale, were Kentuckians.
CHARLES B. BLACKBURN. It is without doubt true that the life of any man is of great benefit to a community when all his efforts are directed toward advancing its interests and if he lives according to the teachings of the Golden Rule, he cannot fail to win the love and respect of all who know him. Such a man is Mr. Blackburn, who is prominently identified with the mercantile and farming interests of Desha County, Ark. He was born in Chicot County, Ark., in 1845, and is a son of George C. and Isabella P. (Buck) Blackburn, native Kentuckians, their families being among the oldest and most aristocratic of the Blue Grass State, Senator Joe Blackburn being a brother of George C. The immediate subject of this memoir was reared in Woodford County, Ky., having been taken there by his father when quite young, and like so many of the substantial citizens of this country at the present time, he was initiated into the mysteries of farming from his earliest youth, and this has since been one of the callings to which his attention has been directed. He was not favored with many opportunities for attending school, owing to circumstances over which he had no control, and at the early age of sixteen years, in 1861, he enlisted in the Confederate army, Malcolm's company, Price's escort and took an active part in the following engagements: Arkansas Post, Poison Springs, Jenkins' Ferry, Pine Bluff, besides a great many skirmishes in which his command was constantly engaged. He was captured on one occasion, but on account of his extreme youth was released and allowed to return to his command. He served throughout the entire war and surrendered at Shreveport, La., returning to his home in Arkansas. Being of an enterprising and rather restless disposition, he did not long remain here however, but went to Memphis, Tenn., where he spent one year in clerking in a large business house of that city, at the expiration of which time he returned to his native State and settled down to business, opening a mercantile establishment in Laconia, in 1868, with what success may be inferred when the fact is mentioned that he now carries a stock of goods valued at $5,000 and does an annual business of $50,000. Being accommodating and perfectly honorable and upright in his dealings with his patrons, he has become well known and very popular, and in his agricultural enterprises he has been no less successful, as he now owns 2,300 acres of admirable farming land, and has 1,200 acres cleared and under cultivation. His land yields on an average of 750 bales of cotton per year, and other farm products can be raised in abundance. He gives some attention to the propagation of stock, but does not enter extensively into this industry. Although not an active partisan he votes the Democratic ticket and is always interested in the success and welfare of his party. Public-spirited and deeply interested in the welfare of his county, all enterprises for the upbuilding of the same find in him a warm advocate and a hearty supporter, institutions of learning, especially, finding in him a liberal contributor. He has shown his approval of secret organizations by becoming a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is a member in good standing in his lodge. His marriage to Miss Cynthia Monroe, was consummated in 1875, she being a daughter of Ben and Martha (Halaway) Monroe, native Kentuckians. They have reared a worthy family of four children: Georgia E., Clifton S., Eddie M. and Mary M. Mr. and Mrs. Blackburn are a genial, hospitable and sincere couple, and are held in high esteem by all who know them.
WILLIAM W. BOWLES, the oldest resident of this portion of Desha County, and one of the representative citizens of the same, was born in Flavanna County, Va., in 1832, and is the son of Oscar and Elizabeth E. Bowles. Oscar Bowles came to this county in 1835, making the trip in a flatboat from Virginia, and landed where Arkansas City now stands, when there were but about four acres cleared and one log cabin. He brought with him the slaves belonging to John R. Campbell, and was overseer for the last-named gentleman and sons for seventeen years. There were other similar improvements in this section of the county, and Mr. Bowles opened for Mr. Campbell the first farm in this part of the county, which was at that time a vast wilderness, and game abounded in vast numbers throughout the entire country, and what few white male inhabitants there were here at that time were mainly hunters and raftsmen. After leaving the employ of Mr. Campbell, Mr. Bowles and Charles Campbell purchased a farm of land of a Mr. Johnson, one of the early settlers, and immediately engaged in cultivating the soil, remaining in partnership from 1850 to 1860. During the war Mr. Bowles moved his and Campbell's Negroes back on Crooked Bayou, where they remained for one year, and then Mr. Campbell took his Negroes to Texas. After the war Mr. Bowles returned to his farm and resumed agricultural pursuits, in which he was quite successful. His death occurred in 1874, when he was drowned by going through a crevasse in the levee in a dugout. His widow still survives, makes her home in Arkansas City on her own property, and as she was born July 3, 1812, she is now seventy eight years of age. The father was born in Nelson County, Va., March 31, 1811. William W. Bowles was principally educated at Washington College, Tenn., and November 26, 1859, he was married to Miss Elmira McMullen, a native of Alabama, but who came with her parents to this county when a little girl. Mr. Bowles has always followed planting and stock raising, making a specialty of the latter occupation. He is the owner of about 665 acres of good bottom land, with about 100 acres improved, with fair buildings, etc., and aside from this he is the owner of a desirable residence in the city. In 1861 Mr. Bowles enlisted in the Confederate army as a private in Company G. Twenty-third Arkansas, and served east of the Mississippi. He was with Gen. Price, and was at the evacuation and battle of Corinth and the surrender of Port Hudson. He was at the siege of Port Hudson, was here captured, but was paroled after being held a prisoner for only three and a half days. He came home and was exchanged in the fall of 1863, and in 1864 he joined a scouting company in this section, but was not in active service the last six months on account of his eyes, which were injured at Port Hudson. The first three years after the war Mr. Bowles was engaged as bookkeeper and salesman for Cabbell, Sappington & Armour as a lumber dealer and sawmill man at Cypress Bend, and received $75 per month. He had only his place and one mule left to commence work with after the war, and his mother-in-law and wife were weaving and making their own clothing, consequently he accepted the above-mentioned position. Mr. Bowles and wife were the parents of nine children, five of whom are nor living: Mary E. (wife of J. W. Davis, the present postmaster of Arkansas City), Joseph S., William J., John A. and Jessie E. Mr. Bowles is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Branson Blue Lodge No. 113. Politically he is a Democrat in his tendencies. He was constable of Desha and Chicot Counties for four years, and also held the office of justice of the peace for a like number of years in the same counties.
DAVID O. BOWLES, planter, Arkansas City, Ark. Mr. Bowles is one of the oldest settlers of Franklin Township, and is a man who has the respect and esteem of all acquainted with him. He is a native-born resident of Desha County, born in 1838, and is the son of Oscar and Elizabeth (Melton) Bowles, natives of Nelson and Flavanna Counties, Va., respectively. Oscar Bowles came to this State in 1832, and bought land adjoining that upon which Arkansas City is now standing. He came here in company with C. W. Campbell, and the latter bought the land upon which the city now stands. They tilled the soil upon adjoining farms for a number of years, and in the forties entered into a partnership in stock raising. This partnership existed until the death of Mr. Campbell in 1866. They owned and operated a large farm in this township, known now as the Roston farm, and this they worked very successfully. They were large stock-raisers of cattle, horses and mules. Mr. Bowles was not a politician although one among the most popular men of the county. He was captain of the militia here previous to the late unpleasantness, and afterward filled the office of justice of the peace. He continued his agricultural affairs until his death, which occurred in 1874, when he was drowned while crossing a crevasse in the levee near old Chicot City. His widow still survives him, and is seventy-eight years of age, and makes her home with her granddaughter, Mrs. Lizzie Trippe, of Arkansas City. Mr. and Mrs. Bowles were the parents of four children: W. W. (a planter and stock-raiser of Franklin Township, and who now resides in the city), D. O., Mary E. (deceased wife of a Mr. Dickson), and J. M. (deceased). D. O. Bowles was educated principally in Desha County, at Chicot City, where, previous to the war, the planters of this county had built a school, and at the age of seventeen years he became assistant to his father on the plantation. He acted as general superintendent, and managed the hands, etc. At the age of twenty-two he entered the Confederate service in company H, Churchill's First Arkansas Mounted Rifles, McNair's brigade, and served first in the Western army, and was first in the battle of Oak Hills. He was captured at Elk Horn Tavern and sent to Alton, Ill. He was sent South in the latter part of the summer of 1862, reported to his old command, and entered the Army of the Tennessee. He participated in the battles of Barboursville, Perryville, Knoxville, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, and was in all the battles from Dalton, Ga., to Atlanta. During the winter of 1864 or 1865 he was serving in the Secret Deciphering Department for the Confederate army from Dalton to Atlanta, and was ordered to report to the war department at Richmond, Va., four days previous to the time when Gen. Hood had taken command of the army in place of Gen. J. E. Johnston. Mr. Bowles was commissioned captain, and while serving in that capacity from the war department was ordered to report to Gen. E. Kirby Smith in command of the Western army, then stationed at Shreveport, La. He was then ordered by Gen. Kirby Smith to operate in the secret service department on the Mississippi River, but only filled this position for a short time, when Col. Carlton appointed him as adjutant of his regiment. This position he held until the close of the war. His command was paroled at Pine Bluff, and although Mr. Bowles did not surrender, he, like all other good men, has accepted with a good grace the termination of the war. He returned home, engaged in tilling the soil in Drew County, where he was married in 1866 to Mrs. C. F. Henningway, widow of Gen. Henningway, of South Carolina, who was the uncle of one of the supreme judges of Arkansas. She is the daughter of Mr. Zoffjke, a Polander, who was a manufacturer of pianos and organs at Detroit, Mich., and afterward at Cincinnati, Ohio. The mother was born in Hamburg, Germany, and came to this country when three years of age. She died in 1879 and Mr. Joffjke in 1878. Mrs. Bowles became the mother of three children by her first marriage: Charles, Theodore and Wilson. By her marriage to Mr. Bowles she became the mother of four children: D. O., Jr., C. Augusta (wife of Dr. J. M. Carter, of Augusta, Ga.), Ora and Olga (the last two attending school at Jackson, Miss.). In 1874 Mr. Bowles came to this county and followed farming for two years, and in 1876 was elected mayor of the town. He has held every position in the city within the favor of the people, from marshal to mayor, and has also served as deputy sheriff of this part of the county for a number of years. Mr. Bowles has under cultivation about 260 acres of land on which is produced about 100 bales of cotton annually. He has a good gin and a nice frame residence. Mrs. Bowles is a member of the Baptist Church. The mother of our subject has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since 1833, and is one of the first members of that church organized in this city. She is a conscientious Christian woman, and although quite advanced in years is still actively engaged in church work. She will long be remembered for her great piety and the good she has done in the church.
JOHN B. BROWN. In the early settlement of the State of Pennsylvania, among the families who were closely identified with its material affairs, and associated with its progress and development, were the Browns, who were of German origin. A respected representative of this family, to be found in Desha County, Ark., is the subject of this sketch, who was born in Franklin County, Penn., November 30, 1846, being a son of Jacob S. and Jane (Brotherton) Brown, also natives of that county and State, the former born in 1816. They died in their native State, the father passing from life in 1872, and the mother in 1850. To them a family of two sons and two daughters was born, only one son and one daughter now living, of whom John B. is the eldest. Emma J. resides at Chambersburg, Penn. Those deceased are: J. Porter (who was killed by the Indians, on the plains, in 1865), Florence (who was the wife of George J. Baisley, of Franklin County, Penn.). John B. Brown remained in Franklin County, Penn., until nineteen years of age, receiving a common school education, and at the age of twenty years began life for himself at sawmilling, and was afterward in the transfer business between St. Louis and East St. Louis, and afterward followed merchandising in the former city. In 1869 he came South, and settled in Desha County, Ark., at the mouth of the Arkansas River, and here was married on January 2, 1878, to Mrs. Lucretia Edgington, widow of Alfred A. Edgington, who died in Desha County, on January 10, 1873. Mrs. Brown is a native of Todd County, Ky., and is a daughter of George W. and Susan (Stark) Boyd, who settled in Jefferson County, Ark., in 1850, the father dying at Pine Bluff six years later, and the mother at the same place in 1859. They left a family of six sons and four daughters, of whom Mrs. Brown is the ninth child and youngest daughter. She was the mother of three sons and three daughters by her first husband, the names of those living being as follows: Jilson P., Hunter S., Desha F., and Alfred Lucretia (a daughter). Those deceased are Maud S. and Newton. Mr. Brown's success in his farming operations is well merited, and having given this occupation his attention the greater portion of his life, he is now the owner of a fine farm of about 400 acres, partly cultivated, it being well adapted to the raising of cotton and corn, and he also gives much attention to the stock business. He is a Democrat in politics, has been sheriff of Desha County, and has had charge of the sheriff's business in the Watson District of the county. Socially, he is a member of the K. of H. Mrs. Brown is of Irish descent, and traces her ancestry back to the early colonists of Virginia.
WILLIAM H. BURNETT is a prosperous general merchant of Desha County, Ark., and by his superior business management and efficiency has added much to the material interests of Pendleton and the surrounding country. He also conducts his plantation, and each year cultivates about 150 acres. He was born in Desha County, Ark., and is the offspring of one of the early settlers of the county, Lemuel F. Burnett. The latter was a Pennsylvanian, born August 4, 1810, of German parents, but was reared in Ohio, and removed from that State to Arkansas in 1833, while it was yet a Territory, although for several years before he became a permanent resident he followed the business of a trader. By occupation he was a gunsmith, having served an apprenticeship at that trade in Steubenville, Ohio. After settling in Arkansas he began working at his trade and also followed merchandising and farming, and by his indefatigable industry, enterprise and good management, he accumulated a handsome property. He now resides in Arkansas County, Ark., and although eighty years of age, he is still hale and healthy. He is an active Democrat, and has long been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Coose, was born in Tennessee, September 30, 1820, and is still living in the enjoyment of good health. Her father, N. C. Coose, was probably born in Tennessee. She is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and is an earnest and conscientious Christian. She and Mr. Burnett were married in Arkansas, in 1839. Their union was blessed in the birth of fifteen children--twelve sons and three daughters--only five of whom are living. Mattie (wife of Jonathan N. Almond, a farmer of Arkansas County, Ark.), Elizabeth (wife of Samuel A. Morgan, also of that county), Lemuel F. (a merchant and planter of Desha County), James N. (also following these occupations in the county), and William H. The rest of the children died in infancy. William H. Burnett was reared in Desha County, and although his early educational advantages were very poor indeed, in later years he succeeded in obtaining a good practical business education, and is now one of the leading business men of the county. He began doing for himself when twenty-two years of age, as a merchant at Burnett's Landing on the Arkansas River, but for some years has been doing an annual business of about $75,000. He owns a large tract of woodland in the county, and on his property is erected a steam cotton-gin, which has a capacity of about 6,000 pounds of lint cotton per day. The different occupations to which he has given his attention have resulted satisfactorily, and he is well known to the residents of Desha County as an upright, honorable and successful man of business. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, is a member of the K. of H., and politically, is a Democrat, and has held the position of notary public of his county, and is present postmaster of Watson. He was married June 7, 1882, in New Orleans, La., to Miss Florence Johnson, a native of Charleston, S. C., a daughter of Charles Johnson. She died October 28, 1885, having become the mother of two sons and one daughter: Charles W., Linnie F. and Alfred E. (who died in 1883 in infancy). His second marriage was solemnized in Memphis, Tenn., December 13, 1887, to Miss Sallie McDaniel, and her marriage with Mr. Burnett has resulted in the birth of a son: Luther, who died in infancy. He was so unfortunate as to lose this wife by death, April 12, 1889, her death being mourned not only by her immediate family, but by all who knew her.
MRS. DIANA B. CAVENAGH is the widow of William C. Cavenagh. She was born April 15, 1834, being a daughter of Col. Richard J. and Diana (Buckner) Hamilton, both natives of Kentucky, the former born in 1800 and the latter in 1804, their union taking place in 1820. Col. Hamilton was educated near Louisville, Ky., and became a lawyer by profession, which calling received his attention all his life, the city of Chicago, Ill., being the field of his labors. He held all the offices which the city could bestow upon him, and in 1858 ran for governor of the State against Col. Richardson, and was defeated by a small majority. He was a Knight Templar Mason, and at the time of his death, December 24, 1861, he was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church. His wife was a daughter of Col. William B. and Elena Buckner, and bore her husband the following family: Sarah A. (the wife of Henry A. Mitchell. a resident of Groton, Conn.), Ellen (the wife of Dr. John H. Kenon, a resident of Chicago, Ill., she being the first white child born in that city), Diana B. (Mrs. Cavenagh), Henry E., Richard N. (deceased), Sidney B., Pauline (deceased), and Pauline (named for her sister). The mother of these children died April 24, 1834, being a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their daughter, Diana B., was first married November 1, 1855, to Breckenridge Blackburn, who was born in Woodford County. Ky., February 26, 1832, and was educated in Louisville, Ky., for the profession of law, which occupation received his attention all his life. He served in the late Civil War, and was major of the first company that went out from Memphis, Tenn., but at the time of his departure from that city he held the rank of captain, being afterward promoted. He presented the first Confederate flag to Gen. Forrest's brigade in Forrest Square. of Memphis, Tenn., and during his term of service was in the battles of Shiloh, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge (in which engagement he lost his right arm), Arkansas Post, and at one time was captured and taken prisoner to Camp Chase, and after being kept in captivity for eleven months was exchanged. He then took up the practice of law in Memphis, Tenn., and there died of that dreadful scourge, yellow fever, on October 21, 1867, being an earnest member of the Presbyterian Church at the time of his death. To himself and wife a daughter was born: Mary E., who was born September 17, 1856, in Chicago, and on August, 8, 1877, became the wife of Walter A. Jones (an architect by calling), who was born in Memphis, Tenn., in 1855, and died on August 8, 1878. Mrs. Cavenagh was married to Dr. William C. Cavenagh, December 14, 1877, he being a native of Dublin, Ireland, born December 24, 1826, and educated in Trinity College of that city, and in 1849 he emigrated to the United States and settled in Mississippi. After remaining in that State a short time he removed to New Orleans, and after practicing there for three years moved to Memphis, Tenn., where he practiced the healing art until his death, being a very successful practitioner. He joined the Southern array as a surgeon in 1861, in which capacity he served until the close of the war, then returned to his home in Memphis and practiced medicine until his death, August 30, 1880. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, the K. of H., the Catholic Knights of America and the A. 0. U. W. He was, as is his widow, a member of the Catholic Church.
GREENE W. CLARK, planter. Brought up to life of a farmer, Mr. Clark has since continued that calling with care and perseverance, and is well-known as a successful tiller of the soil. He was born in Ashley County, Ark., May 11, 1845, and is a son of Philip and Nancy (Holyfleld) Clark, who were born in North Carolina and South Carolina, in 1809 and 1810, respectively. The father removed from his native State to Mississippi in an early day, and was there married, coming in 1837, to Arkansas, and settling in Chicot County, where he entered land, built a log-cabin and began improving his property. He died in 1853, and his wife in 1870, having become the parents of ten children, the subject of this sketch being the only one now living. Greene W. Clark was reared in his native State, and January 22, 1866, was united in marriage to Miss Nancy E., the daughter of Isaac and Mary J. Currell of Chicot County, who was born in this State in 1846, and they have become the parents of three sons and four daughters, William 0. and Mary C. being the only ones now living. March 27, 1862, Mr. Clark enlisted in Company G, Twenty-third Arkansas Infantry, and served until 1863, when he was taken prisoner at Port Hudson, and after being exchanged, in the latter part of 1863, he joined Company A, Third Louisiana Cavalry, and during his service was in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Port Hudson, Mansfield and Pleasant Hill, serving until the final surrender. He then returned to his home and friends. Since 1879 he has been devoting his attention to railroad contracting and merchandising, being associated in the latter business with Charles H. Halley, of Halley, Ark. He is a Democrat, a member of the K. of H., and is in every respect a public-spirited citizen. His wife is a member of the Baptist Church.
CHESLEY C. CLAYTON, planter, cotton-ginner and county surveyor, of Desha County, Ark., was born in Arkansas County, Ark., February 7, 1831, being a son of James S. Clayton, who was born near Charleston, S. C., July 24, 1804. He emigrated from his native State to Kentucky, from that State to Tennessee, thence to Arkansas, in 1828, settling in what is now known as Lincoln County, and for two years made his home at Arkansas Post. He was a river captain, and ran a boat from Little Rock to New Orleans, and in the latter city died in 1833. He was married to Miss Lina Williams, a native of Kentucky. born in 1807, and died February 26, 1833, having borne a family of three sons and a daughter, Chesley C. being the only one of the family now living. He has always resided in the State of Arkansas, and in 1855 was married to Miss Lucy Dollahite, by whom he became the father of three sons and a daughter, all of whom are deceased, with the exception of James K. The mother passed from life in Arkansas, October 11, 1863, an earnest member of the Baptist Church, and Mr. Clayton's second union was consummated in Desha County, Ark., December 12, 1865, his wife, Miss Addie W. Hamlet, being a native of North Carolina, born December 30, 1840, and a daughter of William and Frances W. Hamlet. Mr. and Mrs. Clayton have five children: Sebastian C., Willie C., Stinson V., Graland and Lee A. In January, 1844, Mr. Clayton enlisted in Company A, under Col. Charles Carlton, and was promoted to quartermaster of his regiment. He was at one time captured and kept a prisoner for thirty minutes, after which he was released, and returned to his regiment, serving until the close of the war, and surrendering at the mouth of the White River. After he returned home he engaged in farming, and from 1874 to 1879 was engaged in merchandising at Selma. He was the founder of Tillar, in 1878, and that year opened a mercantile establishment at this place, which he conducted successfully until 1851, at which time he sold his stock of goods and purchased a cotton-gin and grist-mill at Tillar, of which he is now one half owner, the style of the firm being Tillar & Clayton. He and his wife own a valuable and finely improved farm of 250 acres, and to the conduct of this he devotes considerable attention. He has always been a Democrat in his political views, and on this ticket was elected to the position of county surveyor, in 1885, which office he still continues to fill. He was deputy sheriff of Desha County for about two years, and has held the office of justice of the peace for some twenty years. He is a Royal Arch Mason, and Royal and Select Master Mason, belongs to Bronson Lodge No. 113, of Tillar, and is master of the Blue Lodge. His wife belongs to the Presbyterian Church. S. C. Clayton, a brother of Chesley C., was sheriff of Desha County for four years. He was born in Kentucky, December 26, 1826, and died in Desha County, in 1863. Another brother, James P., was born in Mississippi, November 19, 1829, and died in Arkansas City, March 24, 1882, having been clerk of that county for fifteen years. In 1800 he was elected to the State Legislature, and after serving one term, practiced law at Old Napoleon and Arkansas City and in the Federal court at Little Rock until his death; was county and probate judge for two years.
S. M. COURTNEY, merchant, Arkansas City, Ark. Eminent success achieved through honorable endeavor, affords one of the greatest sources of pleasure to him who, in a retrospective view of life, traces his progress by such tokens as deserve admiration and esteem. Such an enjoyment is afforded in the fullest measure by S. M. Courtney, who is the son of Stephen and Elizabeth (Hardin) Courtney, the father a native of North Carolina, and the mother of Georgia. Stephen Courtney came to this State in 1856, from Woodbury, Meriwether County, Ga., and settled in Drew County, near Collins Station, and engaged in tilling the soil. He was the owner of quite a number of slaves, cleared about 300 acres of land, and there remained until 1872, when he moved three miles north of Collins, Ark., on another farm of 320 acres. There he resided until his death, which occurred on July 10, 1885, at Woodbury, Ga., while on a visit to his sister, Mrs. July Redding. He was buried by the side of his parents and sisters. He was twice married, first to the mother of our subject who bore him nine children, seven of whom still survive and are named as follows: Ellen (wife of G. B. Bullock), J. S. (resides near Collins), Mary (wife of Thomas R. Cole). Emanuel, W. A., S. M., M. E. and I. Simeon Courtney, (wife of W. T. Tool, of Monticello, Ark.). The mother of these children died February 14, 1879, and in 1880 Mr. Courtney was married to Mrs. A. M. West. who is still living and resides in Illinois. Emanuel Courtney, our subject's grandfather, was a native of Wadesboro, N. C., emigrating thence to Georgia in 1823. He had only two brothers, Stephen and Jackson. S. M. Courtney was educated in the common schools of his native county, and at the age of twenty-one years commenced business for himself as a merchant at Troy, Drew County. He was there engaged in the general mercantile business for three years, and then removed to Collins Station, where he conducted the same business for the same length of time. From there he moved to Monticello, but at the end of one year returned to Collins. and continued there for eight years. In May, 1887, he formed a partnership with R. D. Crenshaw, which continued for one year, and then Mr. Courtney bought out his partner's interest, and in 1888 the firm of Courtney & Ogburn was formed. They do a general mercantile business of about $65,000 annually. Mr. Courtney was married in 1875, to Mrs. E. E. Tool, daughter of Dr. J. H. Ogburn, and the fruits of this union have been six children--five sons and one daughter: Stephen 0., Harry H., Mamie B., John G., William W. and Eugene. Mrs. Courtney is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and also a member of the Ladies' Missionary Society at Arkansas City. Dr. J. H. Ogburn, Mrs. Courtney's father, was a native of Clarksville, Tenn., but emigrated from there to Clark County, Miss., about 1845. He married Miss Caroline Howze, who was a native of South Carolina. The fruits of their union were: Eugenia E., Nickolas, Bell, Mary E., C. J. and William M. Reuben D. Crenshaw is one of Desha County's most successful merchants and planters, and the manner in which he has acquired his present property is well worthy the imitation of the rising generation. He was born in Shelby County, Tenn., January 2, 1848, and is a son of David S. and Clara C. (Brown) Crenshaw, whose marriage was consummated in Tennessee, September 14, 1842. The father's birth occurred in Sumner County, of that State, on June 17, 1817, and in that State he died April 5, 1884, having been a farmer throughout life, and an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years. He was also a Mason. His union was blessed in the birth of ten children: Reuben D., John T., Susanna F. (wife of Robert Lack, now a resident of Fayette County, Tenn.), James C., Mary V. (deceased), George D., Llewellyn, William D., and Garland C. (deceased). Reuben D. Crenshaw commenced for himself as a merchant in Drew County, Ark., in 1872, and this occupation has followed ever since, but from 1876 to 1878 he was a resident of Chicot County. In the last-named year he came to Desha County, Ark., and in 1880 settled at Trippe Station, where he is now doing an annual business of $15,000. He also owns a good tract of land comprising eighty acres, and has about 470 acres in Tennessee. He was married in Shelby County, Tenn., in 1873, to Miss Mary L. Winston, a daughter of William and Mary (Brown) Winston, and by her had a family of two sons and three daughters: Winston, Mary L., Reuben C., Louis D., and Garland (deceased). The mother of these children was born in Tennessee, September 7, 1851, and is an earnest and devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Her father was a Virginian, who was taken to Tennessee by his parents when a small boy, and died there in 1851. His wife died in 1856, both having been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Crenshaw is a prominent resident of the community in which he resides, and is interested in all good works. He has held the office of justice of the peace in Chicot, as well as this county, and has been postmaster of Trippe for the past ten years, and a member of the local school board for four years. Socially he is a member of Monticello Lodge of the K. of H., and Valley Lodge No. 21, Arkansas City, of the K. of P. His grandparents, Reuben D. and Lucy (Thompson) Brown, were born in Virginia, January 10, 1777, and January 17, 1784, respectively, and died in Sumner County, Tenn., 1848, and Tipton County, Tenn., in 1860. They were married in 1801. The paternal grandfather, Garland Carr Crenshaw went to California in 1849, and a brother of his, John T., was elected by the miners of California to the first Legislature ever held there. Dr. James C. Crenshaw, a brother of the subject of this sketch, was born in Shelby County, Tenn., October 19, 1854, and when twenty years of age began for himself as a clerk in a dry goods house, and was afterward railroad agent for two years. After following merchandising on his own responsibility for seven years he entered a medical college at Louisville, Ky., from which he was graduated in 1875. His first practice was as assistant physician in the Insane Asylum. Little Rock, in 1886-87. He then spent some time in Memphis, after which he came to Desha County. Ark., where he has since made his home, being an active medical practitioner of this region.
JOHN W. DAVIS, postmaster of Arkansas City, and one of the leading hardware merchants of the city, was born in La Grange, Mo., in 1854, and is the fifth of a family of six children born to the union of Franklin and Mary A. (McNeil) Davis, natives of Kentucky and Mississippi, respectively. The father moved to Missouri in 1850, settled in Lewis County, fifteen miles from La Grange, and there cultivated the soil and followed stock-raising. In 1852 he went to California, and, although he remained only one year, during that time was engaged in mining. He returned to Missouri, and in 1857 moved to this State and settled in Napoleon, where he was engaged in merchandising, and also kept hotel. Here his death occurred in the latter part of 1858. Previous to leaving Mississippi, where he had resided for some time, he had been sheriff of Hinds County. He was a prominent man, and a pioneer settler of La Grange, Mo., was also an early settler of Napoleon, and was a soldier in the War with Mexico, being an officer in the same. He had been a member of the Masonic fraternity for a number of years, and was a prominent member of that body. His wife died in 1876. She had been a member of the Episcopal Church for many years, and was a consistent Christian. a good mother and a warm friend. John W. Davis was educated in this county, was reared in the city of Napoleon. Ark., and at the age of eight years was thrown on his own resources. At the commencement of his career he was collector on a wharf-boat for $8 per month, and from that time until he was twenty-one years of age, was in various occupations. From the age of sixteen to nineteen he was learning the tinner's trade, of which he has since made a profession from time to time, and from nineteen to twenty-one he filled the position of deputy sheriff of the county. After that he cultivated the soil for three years. and when twenty-five years of age, or in 1881, he engaged again in the tinner's trade at Arkansas City in partnership with Charles Harding, under the firm title of Davis & Harding. They continued together for two years, when Mr. Davis bought his partner's interest in the business and conducted it alone for two years, after which William Tobias became his partner, under the firm name of Davis & Tobias. This company carries everything to be found in a first-class hardware store, and are doing an immense business for the population of the county, $10,000 annually. Mr. Davis is an enterprising business man, and in 1885 was appointed postmaster of Arkansas City, which office he has since filled in a very satisfactory manner and with credit to himself. He commenced life quite a poor boy, but by his honesty and industry he has surmounted all obstacles, and is considered one of the much-esteemed and respected citizens of the city. His marriage took place in 1886, to Miss Mollie A. Bowles. a native of this county, and the daughter of W. W. Bowles. the oldest living native citizen of this portion of the State. Mrs. Davis has always seconded the efforts of Mr. Davis, and to her he owes, in a great measure, his success in life. She is a lady of high social standing, and one of superior business capacity. Mr. Davis is a member of the K. of P., Valley Lodge No. 21, and of the Grand Lodge, Arkansas jurisdiction, and is a member of the Endowment Rank, Section 673. He is the owner of his business house and residence, and is one of the leading business men of the city. He favors all laudable enterprises for the good of his city and county, and contributes liberally to the same.
COL. J. W. DICKINSON, planter and attorney, Arkansas City, Ark. No name is entitled to a more enviable place in the history of Desha County than the one that heads this sketch, for it is borne by a man who has ever been honorably and usefully identified with the interests of this county, and with its advancement in every worthy particular. The Dickinson family is an old and honored one, and the ancestors, who were early settlers of New York, were also ably represented in the Revolutionary War. Col. J. W. Dickinson owes his nativity to Madison County, Tenn., where his birth occurred in 1832, and is the son of W. B. and Margaret (Reid) Dickinson, both natives of North Carolina. The mother died in 1855 and the father in 1870. They were the parents of six children--five sons and one daughter--only three of whom are now living: H. L. (who resides at Milan, Tenn.), Maggie (now the wife of Dr. S. H. Donaway) and the Colonel. The ones deceased were: Dr. B. F. (who was an eminent physician and surgeon, and who filled that position in Gen. Vaughan's brigade for the Confederate service in 1862-65, he it was who amputated Gen. Vaughan's foot on the battle-field at Franklin during the hottest of the engagement; he died in Arkansas City in 1879, after a residence here of six years; aside from his practice he was also a very successful merchant). W. B. (who died in Sikeston, Mo., in 1863, and was hospital steward, and a prominent physician). and W. W. (who died in 1857, and who was a school teacher by profession). Col. Dickinson was reared and received the rudiments of an education in Madison County, but subsequently attended school at Bethel College, Carroll County, and later finished his education at Clinton, Ky., graduating at the age of twenty years. He then began teaching, and first entered upon his duties as an educator at Bluff Springs, Gibson County, Tenn., and was principal of the school at that place from 1852 to 1863. In 1863 and 1864 he was on his plantation a few miles from where he taught school, and in 1865 he moved to Memphis, Tenn., where he was engaged in the commission business under the firm name of Dickinson & Co. He remained here until 1873, and in 1874 he moved to Arkansas City, where, in connection with planting, he also practiced law, a profession of which he had made a study a number of years previous. In fact, he had studied for the law, but during his younger days preferred teaching, and was never actively engaged in his legal practice until coming to Arkansas City. Col. Dickinson, though one of the most prominent as well as popular men in the county, has never sought any particular political preferment. He was elected treasurer of Chicot County, in 1876, and served in that office for two years in a highly satisfactory manner. In 1879 he represented Chicot County in the Lower House, and was the first man to bring up the bill for the erection of an insane asylum, which bill was passed, but was vetoed by Gov. Miller on account of its location at Hot Springs. Hon. H. M. McVeigh introduced and passed the same bill two years later. During the late war the colonel volunteered his services and was made major of the Sixth Tennessee Infantry, but circumstances afterward transpired which prevented him from serving. The colonel was married in 1855 to Miss Mary L. Wright, of Tennessee, and the daughter of Levi and Mary (Shaw) Wright, who were early settlers of Tennessee. The former died in 1861 and the latter in 1850. To Mr. and Mrs. Dickinson were born seven children, three of whom are now living: J. W., Jr., (mayor of the city), W. W. (who is president of Dickinson Hardware Company at Little Rock), and C. F. (who is attending school at Little Rock). Col. Dickinson can be numbered among the large land owners of the county, and has several large plantations, well improved and well stocked. He is one of the largest taxpayers in the county. He is a liberal contributor to all worthy enterprises for the development of city or county, and is a public-spirited citizen. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M. and B. A., Arkansas City Lodge No. 296. In politics he is Democratic. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.
J. W. DICKINSON, JR, merchant, Arkansas City, Ark. This young but eminently successful business man was born in Memphis, Tenn., in 1862, and there he received the principal part of his education, although he afterward attended school at Pine Bluff for some time. When eighteen years of age he commenced assisting his father, Col. J. W. Dickinson [see the sketch preceding], who was then editing the Arkansas City Journal, as local editor, and also became interested with him in agricultural affairs for several years. At the age of twenty-one years he embarked in his present business, and handles a full line of groceries, plantation supplies. etc., and is doing a good business. He first started out by himself, but was afterward associated with J. R. Butler, under the firm name of Butler & Dickinson, for about eight or ten months. Mr. Dickinson then sold out to his partner and in 1885 opened his present business. He receives a liberal patronage from the best local custom, is kept busy supplying the wants of the trade, and he has established a first-class reputation for excellent goods, close prices and honorable, straightforward dealing. Mr. Dickinson is energetic and enterprising, and possesses rare business ability. He was married on March 2, 1886, to Miss Eunice A. Godwin, a native of Chicot County, Ark., and the daughter of A. and E. M. (Ferguson) Godwin, natives of California and Kentucky, respectively. She is also a niece of John B. Godwin, of Memphis, Tenn. To Mr. and Mrs. Dickinson was born one child, Effie M. (deceased). Mr. Dickinson was elected mayor of Arkansas City in 1885, and has succeeded himself in every election since that time, being one of the youngest mayors in any city in the South. Judging from his popularity, he is likely to hold the office as long as he cares to be troubled with it. He is a member of the K. of P., Valley Lodge, No. 21.
WILLIAM B. DUMAS is of French lineage, and is an example of what can be accomplished when industry and perseverance hold sway. His farming and stock-raising operations, as well as his mercantile and manufacturing interests, have resulted most satisfactorily, and be is now one of the wealthiest and best known citizens of the county. He was born near Paris, Henry County, Tenn., June 12, 1841, his parents, Jeremiah and Louisa (Dismukes) Dumas, having been born in North Carolina and Davidson County. Tenn., in 1807 and 1809, respectively. The father was a farmer, an Old Line Whig in politics, and for many years prior to his death was a minister of the Missionary Baptist Church. In his business operations he was very successful, and at the time of his death which occurred in Henry County, Tenn., in 1859, left a handsome fortune to be divided between his widow and children. His relict is now living in Henry County, Tenn., is the wife of John Gilbert, of Carroll County, Tenn., whom she married in 1870. Mr. and Mrs. Dumas were married in 1828 in Davidson County, and in time a family of eleven children clustered about their hearthstone, only five of their family being alive: William B., Thomas J., Lutie E. (wife of Morris Southerland, of Paris. Tenn.) Joseph T. (a wealthy farmer and stock-raiser of Tennessee), and Don D. (a resident of Henry County, Tenn., and a farmer and stock-raiser). Those deceased are Martha, Mary, James, Winfield S., Mary I. and Bettie. William B. Dumas was reared and educated in his native State, his early advantages for acquiring learning being exceptionally good. He attended the Cumberland University of Lebanon, Tenn. Upon the opening of the Rebellion, he, May 14, 1861, enlisted in Company B, Wigfall Grays, Fourth Tennessee Infantry, and was in Bragg's and Johnston's divisions, and took part in the battles of Shiloh, Belmont, all the skirmishes in and around Corinth, after which he was transferred to the engineers' department, and was in many more skirmishes and small engagements. He was paroled on May 15, 1865, at Paducah, Ky., and returned home. He began farming for himself at the age of twenty-five years, after the Civil War, and has been more or less interested in agricultural pursuits ever since, being now the owner of 940 acres of fine land in the Arkansas Valley, and cultivates about 300 acres, 150 acres being in a fine state of cultivation, cotton and corn being raised thereon in large quantities. He raises considerable cattle, and is the owner of about twenty-five head of horses and mules, and on his property is a large steam cotton-gin, which brings him in a paying annual income. He is also largely engaged in the timber business, manufacturing staves for the Eastern and Northern markets, and as this industry is admirably handled it is proving very profitable. Mr. Dumas is also a successful merchant of Dumas, and carries a stock of goods valued at from $3,000 to $5,000. From Henry County, Tenn., he removed to Shelby County in 1868, and in 1870 came to Arkansas and settled in Desha County, where he now resides at the town of Dumas, which place is on the Little Rock. Mississippi River & Texas Railroad, and was named in his honor, as he was the first, and is now a prominent resident of the place. He was married in February, 1866, in Gibson County, Tenn., to Miss Elizabeth Edmonds. a native of that State. and a daughter of Preston B. Edmonds. She died July 13, 1876, having become the mother of one son and four daughters, Lutie H. being the only one living. The rest are Arthur P., Ida B., Allie I. and Bettie. Mr. Dumas' second marriage took place in Desha County, December 29, 1887, to Miss Margaret V. Childress, a native of Drew County, and a daughter of Charles S. and Victoria C. (Crute) Childress. She was born on February 8, 1805, and has borne her husband two sons, both of whom are deceased. Mr. Dumas is a Democrat in politics, and takes a prominent and active part in all his party's movements and campaigns, and was a member of the State convention which nominated the present governor of Arkansas. He has been surveyor of Desha County for a number of years. has also been constable and deputy sheriff of his township, has filled the position of school director for many years, and in the discharge of the duties incumbent upon these offices he has acquitted himself with honor and distinction. He is a man who has the confidence and respect of all, and his word is as good as his bond. He is a member of the K. of H., and his wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.
DAVID A. GATES, attorney, Arkansas City, Ark. Mr. Gates. one of the eminent young attorneys of Arkansas City, and one of the proprietors and editor-in-chief of the Arkansas City Journal, was reared in Drew County, Ark., where he received a good common-school education. In 1870, at the age of eighteen years, he entered the State University, at Fayetteville, Ark., and graduated from that far-famed institution of learning in 1884, being valedictorian of his class. He then engaged in teaching school, which occupation he continued successfully until June, 1885, then, having a natural inclination to engage in legal practice, he took up the study of law, reading under Wells & Williamson, of Monticello, and was admitted in the Supreme Court. in October, 1886, by Chief Justice Cockran. Since that time he has practiced in this city, and in June, 1888, he formed a partnership with James Murphy in the law department. He is a young man of brilliant attainments, and is foremost in the ranks of the legal luminaries of this city. He, with W. F. Bessellieu, are the proprietors and owners of the Arkansas City Journal, which is Democratic in its tendencies, and has a large circulation in this and surrounding counties. Mr. Gates was married in June, 1888, to Miss Kate Matthews. of Monticello, Ark. She is the daughter of S. J. Matthews, the ex-county judge, and ex-county and circuit clerk of Drew County. In 1888 Mr. Gates was appointed by President Cleveland to select a reservation for the Umatilla Indians. in Northeastern Oregon, on which he was engaged from February to June, 1888. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Lodge No. 20 K. of H., Tillar Lodge, No. 3215, and K. of P., Valley Lodge. His parents, David A. and Sarah (Howell) Gates. were natives of Tennessee. The father moved to Texas, in 1854, and was there interested in merchandising until 1861, when he enlisted in the Confederate army, was made captain of a company. and was killed in the battle of Mansfield, La., April 8, 1864. He and wife were the parents of six children, only two now living: Mrs. A. C. Stanly (of Drew County). and David A., Jr. The mother of these children died in 1861; she was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The elder Gates was a member of the A. F. & A. M.
CHARLES H. GIFFORD. The mercantile business of Watson, Ark., is ably represented by Mr. Gifford, who has rapidly and surely made his way to the front ranks among the enterprising merchants of the county. Born in Fall River, Mass., on January 20, 1832, he is a son of Robert and Sarah A. (Gardner) Gifford. the former's birth having occurred in Rhode Island in 1804. He was a machinist by trade, and in 1831 he was married in Providence, and there made his home for thirteen years, at the end of which time he emigrated to Arkansas. and settled on the Arkansas River, twenty-five miles above Napoleon, in Desha County, which place was his home at the time of his death, although his death occurred in Providence, R. I., in 1846, while there on a visit. His widow died in March, 1865, in Desha County. A family of two sons and five daughters was born to them, Charles H. being the only one now living. Those deceased are: Eliza, Charlotte, Alma. Emily, Rebecca and Isaac. Charles H. Gifford was a resident of Rhode Island until he reached his twelfth year, at which time he removed with his parents to Arkansas, his early educational advantages being limited to the common schools. When fifteen years of age he began life for himself as a farm laborer. but gave up this work in 1848 to become a salesman in a grocery store, which position be retained for nearly two years. He next farmed on the Arkansas River for two years, after which he again began clerking, becoming a salesman in a general store. In 1879 he opened his present establishment in Watson, and now carries a stock valued at from S3,500 to $4,000, and is the owner of eighty acres of land in the river valley, of which about fifteen acres are under cultivation. He was married in Desha County, Ark., March 27, 1850, to Miss Melissa Stokes, a native of Tennessee, and to them ten children were born: John W. (a farmer of the county), and Mattie (wife of Benjamin Caulk, a farmer and merchant of the county) being the only ones alive. Those deceased are: Otwa, Lafayette, Charles V. Gifford, Charles H. Gifford, Jr., Alma, Emily, Robert and Minnie M. The mother of these children passed from life in 1871, and in May of the following year Mr. Gifford wedded Mrs. Annia Cox, widow of Bufford Cox. She was born in Tennessee, and her union with Mr. Gifford resulted in the birth of five children, Josie, Lulu and May, only, being alive. Cyrus and Shelby are dead. Mr. and Mrs. Gifford are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and in his political views he is a Democrat, although not an active partisan. He is liberal and charitable to the extent of his means, is a citizen of much worth, and is respected and esteemed by all.
MRS. E. M. GODWIN, widow, Arkansas City, Ark. Mrs. Godwin's husband. Allin
Godwin, was a native of North Carolina and the son of Handy Godwin. He came to
Arkansas in 1860, settled in Monticello, Drew County, and engaged in farming
for three years. In 1861 he enlisted in the Confederate army, and after the
battle of Shiloh was discharged on account of wounds received at that
disastrous engagement. He returned home, and in 1862 was married to Miss E. M.
Ferguson, the daughter of W. T. and Saline (Neal) Ferguson, natives of Kentucky
and Missouri, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson were married about 1839, and
became the parents of but two children: Charles C. (who resides in California),
and our subject, Mrs. Eunice M. Godwin. Mr. Ferguson came to this State about
1840, settled in Chicot County, and was one of the largest planters of the
same, working about 500 acres and owning quite a number of slaves. He died in
1863, and Mrs. Ferguson many years previous, or in 1845. Mr. Godwin, the
husband of our subject, died November 28, 1889, and was quite wealthy at the
time of his demise, owning 1,280 acres of land, with 339 acres adjoining
Monticello. In all he had about 400 or 500 acres under cultivation, had a good
house, outbuildings, etc., and was also the owner of a good steam-gin. Mrs.
Godwin was among the earliest settlers in this county, coming here in 1843, and
became one of the most successful and enterprising citizens of the same. She
was educated in the Female College at Frankford. remaining there for two years,
and she also attended for one term a graded school in Louisiana. By her
marriage to Mr. Godwin. she became the mother of six children: Addie M. (wife
of Henry Townsend, who is a druggist in Arkansas City [see sketch], Eunice A.
(wife of J. W. Dickinson, Jr., of Arkansas City), W. H., Charles B. (deceased),
Leonard W. and Betsey G. Mrs. Godwin is a lady of education and refinement, and
is a liberal supporter to all laudable enterprises.
COL. B. F. GRACE, attorney, Arkansas City, Ark. Col. Grace, one of the oldest legal practitioners of the county, and a lawyer of thorough preparatory training, both literary and professional, was born in the Blue-Grass State in 1828. His parents, Preston and Jane (Kilgore) Grace, were natives, respectively, of North Carolina and South Carolina, the father a brick-mason and contractor by occupation. Col. B. F. Grace moved to Arkansas in 1851. He had previously graduated at Princeton, Ky., and after coming to Arkansas studied law with Grace & Murry, being admitted to the bar at Pine Bluff in 1855. He then located at Napoleon, practiced there for some time, then moved to Watson, and then came to this place when the county seat was moved here. He has served as county judge of Desha County, but has never meddled very much with politics. He joined the Confederate army in 1862 as a private, was promoted to the rank of quartermaster sergeant, and filled that position until the close of the war. He participated in the battle of Prairie Grove, the fight at Van Buren, was with Gen. Taylor through Louisiana, was at the battle of Alexandria, and took a prominent part in many minor engagements. In 1864 he was ordered to Louisiana to purchase supplies for the army, and was thus engaged when the war closed. When Judge Grace first came to Napoleon to practice his profession a prosperous community surrounded the town, and there were many large land suits. The principal part of the large cases were of a criminal character, and the docket generally contained from three to 400 cases. Napoleon was at that time filled with a fine class of settlers, though there were constantly passing through a number of traveling gamblers, who gave the law-abiding citizens considerable trouble. The Government had a very fine marine hospital located there, but owing to the caving in of the town in 1863 not a vestige of the place is left. From there Col. Grace moved to his farm, three miles from where Napoleon once stood, and practiced at Watson, the second county seat of Desha County. In 1879 he was instrumental in getting up a petition to move the county seat from there to Arkansas City, and was successful in this venture. In 1880 he moved to this town, and still retains a large practice. He was married, in 1853, to Miss Amanda Boyd, a native of Harrodsburg. Ky., the daughter of G. W. Boyd, who was born in Rockingham County, Va., and who came to this State in 1850, settling at Pine Bluff. He was one of the pioneer merchants of that place, and died there six years later. His wife, who was a native of Lexington, Ky., also died in Pine Bluff. Mrs. Grace is a member of the Episcopal Church.
WALTER C. HALLEY is a retired planter now engaged in the hotel and grocery business at Pine Bluff, Ark. Although born in Marion County, Georgia, in 1837, he has been a resident of Arkansas since he was eleven years of age, and has always been identified with the interests of the community in which he has resided. He is one of four surviving members, the others being Martha A. (widow of J. A. Mason), Mary F., (wife of Benjamin McGehee), and Samuel F., of a family of eighteen children born to Dr. Samuel and Sarah A. (Lumpkin) Halley, both of whom were born in Georgia, the former in January, 1801, and the latter about 1804. The father was an eminent medical practitioner, and followed this calling for thirty or thirty-five years. He was captain of a company in one of the early Indian wars, was a Master Mason, and after coming to Arkansas in 1848, identified himself with the interests of Bradley County, and was an earnest advocate of and a stockholder in the railroad from Eunice to Warren, making the first speech in favor of its being built. He first removed from his native State of Georgia to Alabama, and then came to Arkansas, where he was in the active practice of his profession at the time of his death, November 13, 1802. Walter C. Halley was married January 25, 1869, to Miss Addie Vining, a daughter of Thomas Vining, of Desha County, she being born in the State of Mississippi, March 31, 1846, and died February 19, 1870, being in full communion with the Baptist Church at the time of her death. Mr. Halley's present wife, formerly Miss Eddie T. Jones, was born in Arkansas County, Ark., in 1868, their union taking place in 1886. She is a daughter of William and Maggie Jones, of Arkansas County, Ark., and is a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. In 1862 Mr. Halley enlisted as a private Company B, infantry service, and was on duty until 1865, when he was captured by the Federals and put in prison at Memphis, Tenn. Later he was paroled and came home and took up his former engagement of farming. He also followed saw-milling until 1871 when he gave up this work to engage in the grocery business at Chicot City, Ark., at which he has been doing well. He owns 200 acres of good farming land, with 130 acres under cultivation, and being a man of enterprise and push everything has prospered well to which he has turned his attention. He is a Democrat, and holds the position of worshipful master in the Arkansas City Lodge No. 296, of the A. F. & A. M. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
CHARLES H. HALLEY is a prosperous merchant and planter of Desha County, Ark., and although he has only resided here since 1884, he is recognized as one of the leading citizens, and fully deserves the success which has attended his efforts. He was born in Bradley County, Ark., in 1853, and in 1877 was united in marriage to Miss Jessie Ward, a daughter of A. J. and Ellen (Howell) Ward, she