Biographical and historical memoirs of Pulaski, Jefferson, Lonoke, Faulkner, Grant, Saline, Perry, Garland and Hot Spring counties, Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the statebiographies of distinguished citizens...[etc.], Part 27

Author: Goodspeed, firm, publishers, Chicago. (1886-1891. Goodspeed publishing Company)
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Chicago, St. Louis [etc.] The Goodspeed publishing co.
Number of Pages: 826

USA > Arkansas > Faulkner County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Pulaski, Jefferson, Lonoke, Faulkner, Grant, Saline, Perry, Garland and Hot Spring counties, Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the statebiographies of distinguished citizens...[etc.] > Part 27
USA > Arkansas > Garland County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Pulaski, Jefferson, Lonoke, Faulkner, Grant, Saline, Perry, Garland and Hot Spring counties, Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the statebiographies of distinguished citizens...[etc.] > Part 27
USA > Arkansas > Grant County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Pulaski, Jefferson, Lonoke, Faulkner, Grant, Saline, Perry, Garland and Hot Spring counties, Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the statebiographies of distinguished citizens...[etc.] > Part 27
USA > Arkansas > Hot Spring County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Pulaski, Jefferson, Lonoke, Faulkner, Grant, Saline, Perry, Garland and Hot Spring counties, Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the statebiographies of distinguished citizens...[etc.] > Part 27
USA > Arkansas > Jefferson County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Pulaski, Jefferson, Lonoke, Faulkner, Grant, Saline, Perry, Garland and Hot Spring counties, Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the statebiographies of distinguished citizens...[etc.] > Part 27
USA > Arkansas > Lonoke County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Pulaski, Jefferson, Lonoke, Faulkner, Grant, Saline, Perry, Garland and Hot Spring counties, Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the statebiographies of distinguished citizens...[etc.] > Part 27
USA > Arkansas > Perry County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Pulaski, Jefferson, Lonoke, Faulkner, Grant, Saline, Perry, Garland and Hot Spring counties, Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the statebiographies of distinguished citizens...[etc.] > Part 27
USA > Arkansas > Pulaski County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Pulaski, Jefferson, Lonoke, Faulkner, Grant, Saline, Perry, Garland and Hot Spring counties, Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the statebiographies of distinguished citizens...[etc.] > Part 27
USA > Arkansas > Saline County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Pulaski, Jefferson, Lonoke, Faulkner, Grant, Saline, Perry, Garland and Hot Spring counties, Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the statebiographies of distinguished citizens...[etc.] > Part 27

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Capt. Walter Greenfield was a brave soldier and is an honest citizen. What better eulogy could be passed upon a man who has earned those titles in military and civil life? He was born in Todd County, Ky., on July 4, 1833, and is a son of Thomas G. and Lucy (Hannah) Greenfield, both natives of the same county and State, who moved to Pine Bluff, Ark., in 1837, which place they made their home for the balance of their lives, the father dying in 1840, when thirty six years old, and the mother in 1853, at the age of forty-seven years. The elder Greenfield was a merchant and one of the first men to start in business at Pine

Bluff. Under the firm name of Greenfield & Kay he and his partner conducted the largest mercan- tile honse in that section. Both parents were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics the father was a Whig, and was also a Royal Arch Mason in high standing. His father was Thomas G. Greenfield, an old Virginian, and one of the heroes who fought in 1812. Thomas Greenfield was one of the earliest settlers of Ken- tucky, coming there but a short time after Daniel Boone, and was an intimate associate of that noted pioneer. The Hannah's were also a well-known family of Kentucky and very prominent people in Christian County. The Greenfield's were of Eng- lish origin. To the marriage of Walter Green- field's parents were born five children, of whom he is the only one now living. He was educated in Pine Bluff, Ark., and later at private schools in Nashville, Tenn. After his school days were over he remained with his mother until her death and then turned his attention to farming. In 1858 he was appointed deputy sheriff of his county, and served creditably in that capacity until the out- break of the Rebellion. In the spring of 1862 he organized a company of cavalry, being chosen third lieutenant. This was Company G of the Second Battalion, which was afterwards reorganized with the First Battalion and made into one, in which he was promoted to first lieutenant. In October, 1863, he was promoted to the captaincy of Com- pany G for brilliant action on the field, and this position he retained until the close of the war. Capt. Greenfield was detailed for scouting duty a considerable part of the time, and took part in a great many battles, operating in Northern Missis- sippi to a great extent. In April, 1863, he was sent ont on recruiting duty, but at that time was taken sick and nnable to continue with the work for some time. He also took part in Price's raids through Missouri, and was foremost in every battle during that occasion, and at Pilot Knob he had charge of the skirmishers. Capt. Greenfield was next at Newtonia, Kas., and from there he went to Pine Bluff, Ark., where he surrendered on June 8, 1865. He has had many thrilling escapes from death, and many times narrowly got through the

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clutches of the enemy. but his good fortune at- tended him all through and he yet lives to tell the tale. In 1875-76 he was appointed collector and filled that office, together with the position of sheriff, to the satisfaction of all parties concerned. Farming has been his business ever since the war, and he now owns 700 acres of good land with the. principal part of it under cultivation, all of which he has made since that event, the war having left him practically bankrupt. In December Capt. Greenfield was married to Miss Mary C. Embree, a daughter of Israel Embree, an old settler of Jefferson County. Mrs. Greenfield was born June 29, 1844, and by her marriage became the mother of six children: Lucy M., Gordon E., John T., Maggie F., Mary W. and Carrie. The Captain is a Knight Templar and Knight of Pythias, besides belonging to several other fraternities. In politics he is a Democrat and a leader in political affairs as well as social and business matters. His son Gor- don is also prominent in Knight of Pythias circles.

W. B. Greenfield, farmer, Pine Bluff, Ark. It is doubtless owing entirely to the indus- trious and persevering manner with which Mr. Greenfield has adhered to the pursuit of agriculture that he has risen to such a substantial position in farm affairs in this county. His birth occurred in Jefferson County, Ark., on February 11, 1849, and he is the son of J. W. and Matilda (Bogy) Greenfield. The elder Greenfield was born in Tennessee, in 1821, was educated in that State, and then went to Kentucky, but later to Arkansas, where in 1845 he married Miss Bogy, the daughter of Mr. E. Bogy, an old French settler. To Mr. and Mrs. Greenfield were born eighteen children, six sons and twelve daughters: three sons and four daughters now living, two in this State and five in Texas. The father is still living, and in connec- tion with farming is also engaged in merchandising in Texas. He is the owner of a large tract of land and is quite well to-do. He was justice of the peace for two years, and is now notary public. W. B. Greenfield was educated at the Christian Brothers' College, at St. Louis, and after returning home married Miss Bettie T. Phillips, October 27, 1886. She was born in Arkansas, and is the daugh-

ter of John and Mary A. Taylor. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Greenfield was born one child, Willie, who died February 14, 1887.

"Only a little child; pause not here to weep; Scarcely on earth it smiled, ere it fell asleep."

Mr. Greenfield has about 1,200 acres of good land, with 375 acres under cultivation. He and wife are members of the Methodist Church.

William H. Hardister, who is classed among the well known and highly respected planters of this county, was born in North Carolina in 1845, being the son of Asbury and Cyntha Ann (Cram- ford) Hardister, natives of North Carolina. The former's ancestors were formerly from Maryland, and came to the Carolinas with the early settlers. The father was the youngest of his family, and a farmer by occupation, his death occurring in the sixty-sixth year of his age. The mother died in 1866, at the age of fifty. To them were born ten children, of whom all but one lived to be grown, but only four now survive. William H., the seventh son, was reared in North Carolina until the age of twenty-three, when he came to Arkan- sas and located at Garrison Landing, there engag- ing in farming. He afterward went to Mud Lake, and in '1876 came to his present location, on what is known as Elm Grove farm, since which time lie has put the place in a good state of cultivation, working 200 acres. At the beginning of the late war he enlisted in the Sixth North Carolina Cav- alry and served until the close, receiving not the slightest wound. In 1875 Mr. Hardister married Miss Nettie Cramford, a daughter of O. P. Cram- ford, of South Carolina. who came to Arkansas long before the war and settled in this county, Mrs. Hardister being then a child. This union has been blessed with two children: Cynthe A. and Walter M. Mr. Hardister politically is a Democrat. He has on his place a large cotton gin and supply store, and is recognized as a man who has given decided influence to the progress and development of this section. As a citizen he is held in great esteem.

Col. George Haycock, capitalist, one of the best known men in Central Arkansas, whose genius of enterprise has made him one of the bulwarks of

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the financial world, is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, born in October, 1828, and is a son of Hamilton and Eunice (Bales) Haycock. The father was of Irish origin and the mother of American parent- age, they being married in New York State. From there they moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, at an early day, where the father was engaged in contracting along the banks of the Miama River. In 1835, while inspecting some work in the Miama Canal locks, he was drowned; the mother died some time before in Cincinnati. They had but one son, the principal of this sketch. He was reared in that city, and educated in mathematics under Dr. Ray, the compiler of Ray's arithmetic. After leaving this instructor he attended Woodard Col- lege, obtaining his entire schooling from his sense of knowing the necessity and advantage of it, and not from being prompted to it, as his parents both died when he was little more than a child. In 1852 he went overland to the State of California, the trip occupying several weeks, and upon reach- ing there located in Iowa Hill, Placer County, where he commenced mining. He also operated a stage line in connection with the California Stage Company, and spent fourteen years of his life in that section. Leland Stanford, now United States Senator and about forty times a millionaire, was in those days an intimate friend of Col. Haycock's. as were also many others of the pioneers of 1849, who are now the money kings of the Pacific Coast. Col. Haycock was a member of the convention that nominated Mr. A. A. Sergeant for Congress, and also a member of the second Republican Convention that nominated Hon. Leland Stanford for Governor. He served four years in the army during the Civil War, and was stationed at Los Angeles and San Diego, as also at La Paz, Ariz. In 1865 he returned to Cincinnati and became engaged in the brokerage business, which he carried on until 1870, when he came to Pine Bluff, Ark. The Colonel resumed his brokerage business here, and also became largely interested in planting. Some of the largest financial projects in the county have been engineered by him and brought to a success- ful termination. In 1874 he was elected to the State Senate, and in 1876 re-elected, but the fol-

lowing year was appointed postmaster at Pine Bluff and resigned his seat in the Senate to accept the post office. He held that position for five years, and was also an alderman of Pine Bluff fourteen years ago. He is a member of the board of aldermen at the present time, having been elected by a majority of 562. Col. Haycock is a stanch supporter of the Republican party, and one of the most brilliant politicians in Jefferson County. He is one of the leaders of his party, and on his election to the State Senate was the only Republican at that time in the Senate. He has hundreds of friends on both sides, and is one of the most popular men in that section. The Colonel is very original in his ideas, and is always devising something new, and at present has placed about twenty acres of land in tobacco as an experi- ment, his intention being, if successful, to establish a tobacco manufactory. He was married in 1846 to Miss Ann Knowlden, of Cincinnati, by whom he has had five children, Charles being the only one living.

J. W. Hellums, a prominent farmer and mer- chant of Jefferson County, well known in the busi- ness circles of Pine Bluff, was born in Fayette County, Ala., in September, 1836, and is a son of William H. and Effie (White) Hellums, of South Carolina and Georgia, respectively. The parents were married in Alabama, and in 1844 removed to Tippah County, Miss., where the father died the following year. After his death the mother came with her family to Drew County, Ark., and re- sided there until her death in 1867. Two sons and three daughters were born to the parents, of whom the two former are the only ones yet living -James W. and Jacob P., the latter residing in Star City, Ark. James W. Hellums was partly reared in Mississippi, where he also received his education, and in 1858 moved with his mother to Drew County, Ark. The following year he came to Pine Bluff and established himself in business, continuing with success until the Civil War com- menced. In 1862 he left the business in charge of his partner, and enlisted in D. W. Carroll's company ---- the present chancellor-and served un- til the surrender, holding the rank of lieutenant in

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that company, but at the disbandment of the troops he was captain of Company K, Logan's Consolidated Cavalry Regiment. Capt. Hellums was captured at Port Hudson on July 9, 1863, some time after the battle of Vicksburg. Together with twelve other officers he was taken on board a vessel lying in the Mississippi, to be transferred to Johnson's Island, but every one of the twelve jumped overboard, and all but two succeeded in swimming to the shore and escaped. Mr. Hellums was among the number who gained their liberty, while the other two were drowned. He previously took part in the battles of Corinth, Farmington and Iuka, and a number of hard skirmishes. When the war was over he returned to Drew County, and remained there a short time, but soon came to Pine Bluff in order to close out his busi- ness. After that was done he went back to Drew County, and resided there until January, 1889, when he once more came to Pine Bluff and built a fine residence, intending to make this city his permanent home. He owns a store at Star City and one at Grady, both in Lincoln County, and enjoys a large patronage, and in connection with his commercial interests, owns about 1,000 acres of valuable land, with a considerable amount under cultivation, his principal crop being cotton. Mr. Hellums was married in December, 1864, to Miss Susie Carlton, of Alabama, by whom he has had six children: Julius H., Clyde E., Cora, Jennie, Chester and Guy. His wife is a devout Christian lady, and belongs to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Mr. Hellums is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, and a popular citizen of Pine Bluff, taking an active part in all matters that bear upon its progress and advancement.

J. F. Hicks, a fixture in the affairs of Jefferson County, first established the Distilled Water, Ice & Coal Company, at Pine Bluff in 1885. Upon start- ing this industry, he put in a five-ton machine, but the business increased so rapidly that he was soon forced to have a larger machine, in order to supply the demand, and he now owns a twenty-ton ma- chine in addition to the original one, manufactur- ing abont twenty-four tons of ice per day. The machinery is all of the latest pattern and perfect in

its work. About one-third of the product of this industry is kept for home consumption, while the other two-thirds is shipped to various markets. Mr. Hicks is the sole proprietor of this business, and also owns another ice factory at Marshall, Texas. His birthplace was in Ballard County, Ky., and when only ten years of age he went to Memphis, Tenn., alone, where he worked at different employment for some time. When still quite young he occupied a subordinate position on one of the river steamboats, applying himself closely, until in time he was promoted to the post of engineer, and then captain, which position he held for thirty-five years, and in 1852 he built a steam- boat of his own called Falcon. During his life Mr. Hicks has built upwards of fifteen or twenty steamboats, owning at one time about forty, among them being the famous but ill-fated Mary Bell, which was burned to the water's edge at Vicks- burg, and also the steamer Frank Pargoud, which met with the same fate above New Orleans. The last named boat was the champion cotton carrier on the Mississippi River, having been loaded with the largest cargo of uncompressed cotton ever car- ried by any other steamboat-9,226 bales. The writer happened to witness that event, and can re- member the day she steamed into the levee at New Orleans with nothing visible but the top of her pilot house and her smoke stacks. Every space was covered by cotton bales. It rose tier upon tier, and the cotton on the lower deck was swept by the river, so heavily was she loaded down. It was a grand and imposing sight, and was observed by thousands who thronged the water's edge to await her coming, and rent the air with such a rousing cheer that the sound must have been car- ried out past the swamps to Lake Pontchartrain. The Mary Bell was one of the largest steamers on the Mississippi, and in fact in the United States. Among other prominent boats owned by Capt. Hicks were the Daniel Boone, Kate Frisby, John Simons, the latter being one of the largest boats before the war. Capt. Hicks was one of the most popular and experienced steamboat men that traveled the Mississippi during his day. Since the war he has owned the Vicksburg, Di Vernon, Ma-

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jetta, Belle Lee, Henry Ames, John A. Scudder, Carondelet, Mary Belle and Henry Frank, these being the principal ones, and he virtually con- trolled the traffic between Memphis and New Or- leans. The advent of railroads ruined the river trade, and when fire destroyed his finest boat, the Captain became disheartened and determined to abandon steamboating forever, since which time he has carried on his present business. He was first married in 1850, to Miss Sarah Carter, by whom he had seven children, of whom four are yet living: Ralph M. (at Marshall, Tex.), Jeff, Nellie, and Mamie. The Captain's second marriage oc- curred, in 1878, to Miss Anna Tally, by whom he had one son, Frank. During his day Capt. Hicks has been the largest steamboat owner in the coun- try. His finest boat alone cost $165,000, the Mary Bell, and only carried $50,000 insurance when she was burned. Among other famous vessels he owned was the Kate Miller, the first boat he was ever master of himself; the Pittsmiller, Bluff City, Harry Bluff, Julia, John Swazy, Martin Walt, Excelsior and Sam Cloon. Outside of his ice manufactory, which is one of the best paying in- dustries in Jefferson County, he handles about 200 car loads of coal annually, and is worth consider- able, although he has met with many reverses.

William I. Hilliard, contractor and builder, and manufacturer of brick, Pine Bluff, Ark. Among all classes and in every condition of life are those who excel in whatever they undertake, whether of a professional, agricultural or com- mercial nature, and among those who have cleverly demonstrated this statement is he whose name ap- pears above. Born in Madison Parish, Louisiana, in November, 1840, he is the son of J. C. Hilliard, a native of Virginia. The father passed his boy- hood days in his native State, but later went to Ohio, where he married Miss Abigail Yeoman, a native of New York. While in the Buckeye State Mr. Hilliard followed the brick-making trade, and there resided for a number of years. Later he re- moved to Louisiana, where he carried on his former occupation for some time, and in 1847 returned to Ohio, locating in Cincinnati, where he still con- tinued the brick-making business. In 1854 he

went back to Louisiana, and after a residence there of a number of years, made his home with his son, William I. Hilliard, at Little Rock, Ark., un- til his death, which occurred in 1884. He was a much respected citizen, and filled a number of local offices where he resided. His wife died in 1858. William I. Hilliard received excellent ad- vantages for an education in the schools of Cincin- nati and other schools, and began assisting his father in the brickyard when a mere lad. This business he learned very thoroughly, and is now one of the most experienced brick-makers of Ark- ansas. He remained with his parents until grown, and commenced the brick business when about eighteen years of age, at Floyd, La., but this continued only one season, when he went to lay- ing brick in that State. After following this for about five years, or up to the breaking out of the late war, he went North (Indiana) and there remained for a short time. After that he worked at laying brick until 1868, when he went West to Springfield, Mo., and there resumed laying and making brick for two and a half years. He moved to Little Rock, Ark., in 1872, manu- factured brick for two seasons, and was also engaged in contracting and laying brick. In Sep- tember, 1886, he located at Pine Bluff, commenced contracting and building that season, and has since been actively occupied in that business, as the many fine buildings in the city abundantly testify. He lays all his own brick, and, from an average of four kilns, manufactured about 1,200,000 this year. He was married in Washington County, Ark., on March 27, 1872, to Miss Emma English, a native of Pennsylvania, and the daughter of John and Elizabeth English. There are five chil- dren living of this marriage: Birdie, Elizabeth, Willie I., John and Abbie. Mr. Hilliard is a member of the Ancient Order of Odd Fellows, and his wife is a member of the Baptist Church.

William C. Hilliard, an enterprising farmer of Talladega Township, was born in Fairfield County, S. C., being the son of A. D. and Sa- villa (Woodward) Hilliard, also natives of that State. The father was born in 1819, and followed the general occupation of a merchant in the State

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of his birth until the late war, his occupation being varied until his death in 1878. He was a Mason, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and served as major in the late war. The mother died in Lonisiana in 1867, at the age of thirty-three years. William C. Hilliard, the subject of this sketch, was the sixth in a family of seven children born to his parents' union. In 1870 he came to Drew County, Ark., where he attended school, and subsequently taught in adjoining counties: he also engaged in farming, and in 1886 came to Jefferson County, settling on the place where he now resides, and turning his attention largely to fruit growing, raising peaches, apples, grapes and figs. He has a fine farm well under cultivation, and is known as one of the prominent citizens of this county. He is one of the young and energetic men in the Democratic party, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. In 1885 he married Miss Johnie Blackwell, a native of this county; and they have three children: William W., Walter B. and Effie. Mrs. Hilliard's father, G. L. Blackwell. a farmer of Jefferson County, was born in Elbert County, Ga., in 1834, and came to Arkan- sas in 1868. He owns about 440 acres of good land, 175 of which are under cultivation. He has been a Mason for thirty years, and has held the offices of tyler and senior warden. He has also held the office of justice of the peace for ten years. In 1862 he enlisted under Col. Bradley in the Ninth Arkansas Regiment, but becoming ill remained in the hospital until his discharge in 1862, at Berns- ville, Miss. In July of that year he again entered the service under Col Darson, of the Nineteenth Regiment, his first hard fight being at Jenkins' Ferry. He was discharged in 1865 at Jackson- port, when he returned home and engaged in farm- ing. Mr. Blackwell is a member of the Baptist Church, and is a liberal contributor to all charit- able enterprises. November 16, 1854, he married Ademia Pruett, a native of Georgia. She had one child, who died in infancy, and July 26, 1859, she departed this life. On June 28, 1860, Mr. Black- well married Katie Griffin, of Mississippi. To this union were born nine children, five of whom are still living.

Capt. William K. Hocker, whose association with the affairs of Jefferson County has given him extensive acquaintance, is a successful planter re- siding in Dudley Lake Township. He was born in Richmond, Ky., on June 5, 1820, and is a son of Nicholas and Nancy (Ellis) Hocker, of Mary- land and Kentucky, respectively. The father was born in 17SS, and the mother in 1793. After their marriage the parents made Madison County, Ky., their home until the father's death, at the age of seventy-three years, the mother dying in 1834. The father had learned the stone-mason's trade in his youth, but after the War of 1812, he turned his attention entirely to farming, in which he was very successful. He began life as a poor man, but could point with pardonable pride to the fact that by his own in- dividual efforts he amassed considerable wealth. and put himself in a position to be looked upon with the greatest respect by the entire community. He was sheriff of Madison County for one term, and also represented that county in the legislature for the same length of time. He was captain of a company in the War of 1812, and also fought under Gen. Harrison at the battle of Tippecanoe, besides taking part in a number of other Indian fights. He was a Whig in politics and in religion a Mis- sionary Baptist. Thirteen children were born to the elder Hocker and his wife, of whom four are now living: William K., Martha Ann (wife of William Lackey, a farmer of Stanford, Ky.), Mary J. (wife of T. M. Miller, a banker of Stanford, Ky.), and Gael W. (wife of the late Richard Gen- try, of Sedalia, Mo.). After the death of his first wife he was married to Miss Ryan, of Clark Coun- ty, Ky., this lady making him a devoted wife and helpmate. William K. was educated at St. Mary's College in Marion County, Ky. When sixteen years of age he thought it the proper thing to commence in life for himself and started as a stock dealer. Soon after he moved to Pettis County, Mo .. but eight years later he returned to Kentucky, where he remained until after the war. During that event he was in the commissary department of the Army of the Cumberland and acted as pur- chasing agent. After the surrender he went to

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Biographical and historical memoirs of Pulaski, Jefferson, Lonoke, Faulkner, Grant, Saline, Perry, Garland and Hot Spring counties, Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the statebiographies of distinguished citizens...[etc.], Part 27

Author: Goodspeed, firm, publishers, Chicago. (1886-1891. Goodspeed publishing Company) Publication date: 1889 Publisher: Chicago, St. Louis [etc.] The Goodspeed publishing co. Number of Pages: 826

Author: Goodspeed, firm, publishers, Chicago. (1886-1891. Goodspeed publishing Company)
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Chicago, St. Louis [etc.] The Goodspeed publishing co.
Number of Pages: 826