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 28
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 28
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 28
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 28
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 28
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 28
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 28
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 28
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 28
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122 | Part 123 | Part 124 | Part 125 | Part 126 | Part 127 | Part 128
178
HISTORY OF ARKANSAS.
Lonoke County, Ark., but soon after removed from there to Jefferson County, and immediately estab- lished himself in business. In 1873 he gave up his business and turned his attention to farm- ing exclusively and has met with satisfactory suc- cess, he and his family owning some very fine property. In 1842 he was married to Miss Liz- zie Feris, a daughter of Dr. Moses Feris, of Pettis County, Mo., but lost his wife several months after. In the year 1847 he was united to Miss Virginia Brown, of Albemarle County, Va., this lady dying in 1883 in Jefferson County, Ark. This marriage has made him the father of seven children, of whom four are yet living: Nan- cy (wife of Louis Simpson, a merchant of Quanah, Texas), Lucy (wife of Dr. P. P. Trueheart, of Sterling, Kan.), Virginia (wife of Mr. Charles Bickett, a well-known farmer and stock dealer in California and Kansas), and Willie K. (who lives at home). Those deceased are Fannie S., Mary Brown, and Nicholas. In 1885 Capt. Hocker was married to Miss Irene Feris, of Richmond, Texas, who has proved to be an excellent wife. The Captain is a member of the Christian Church, and is always ready to give his assistance to any worthy enterprise connected with religion or education. He is a Democrat in politics, and in secret societies is a Mason. At one time he was one of the most extensive stock dealers in Kentucky, and imported fine cattle by the hundred, but of late years he has not given his attention to that branch of busi- ness to any great extent. He has shown what can be accomplished by a steadfastness of purpose, an unceasing energy and the patience to keep steadily on in spite of the obstacles and embarrassments to be met with in life's struggles. Vincit qui patitur.
Robert R. Holmes, one of the most promising of Jefferson County's younger citizens, was born in De Soto County, Miss., December 13, 1859, and is a son of Dr. L. and Sarah (Herron) Holmes, of the same connty and State (the latter a daugh- ter of Hamilton Herron, a prosperous farmer of Shelby County, Tenn.). The parents were mar- ried in the State of their nativity, on December 9, 1857, and made De Soto County their home until the year 1860, when they moved to Jefferson
Connty, Ark., and located on the farm upon which Robert now resides. The father was naturally born to the profession he chose in after life, as he always exhibited a preference for the study of med- icine even in his boyhood. At the proper age he attended lectures, having gradnated in the literary department of the University of Mississippi (Ox- ford) in 1854, and subsequently in the medical de- partment of the University of Pennsylvania in 1857, and after graduating he commenced to practice in his native State. On his arrival in Arkansas he entered actively into his profession, and attained a celebrity that extended not only through Arkansas but in some of the surrounding States. He rose to an eminence that was as envi- able as it was deserved, and his brilliant record in the medical archives of Arkansas are emulated by many. Dr. Holmes was also engaged in farming, and at the time of his death, which occurred Decem- ber 3, 1886, of swamp fever, he owned about 1,000 acres of valuable land. He was a good business man, a favorite in society and popular with all classes, and on his death the county lost one of its most valuable citizens. He was a Mason (by which body he was buried in Bellwood Cemetery, Pine Bluff), and in politics was a Democrat. The Doctor and wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and both gave substantial aid to many worthy enterprises connected with church and educational affairs. They were the parents of nine children, of whom five are yet living: Robert R., Lula (who married February 20, 1884, John A. Hud- son, a prosperous farmer of Jefferson County), Ad- die, Sallie and Ida Lee. Those deceased are Mary and Finley (infants), and O. Renty, aged eight- een years, who died October 4, 1880, a promising son. He was truly a young man of model worth, temperate in all his habits, unselfish, morally in- clined, full of tenderest affection and a fond and obedient child, in short endowed with so many ex- cellencies of mind, manners and heart that he was loved and respected by all who knew him. Katie, nine years old, died September 22, 1887; she was the youngest child and the pet and joy of the household, death claiming her just nine months after her father. Robert R. received his educa-
179
JEFFERSON COUNTY.
tion in De Soto County, Miss., and at Pine Bluff, Ark., learning the higher branches at the latter place under Prof. Jordan. Upon reaching his twentieth year, the management of his father's plantation was entrusted to him, and since then he has given it his entire attention. Under his judicious management it has been greatly im- proved; new houses erected and a cotton gin built, and he has displayed by more ways than one that he is the right man in the right place. In politics he is a Democrat and active in his support of that party. He is regarded with favor by every bus- iness man in the community who have recognized his enterprising spirit, and his popularity is as flattering as it is genuine.
B. C. Hubbard, M. D., is a citizen of whom Jefferson County can feel proud, and an honor to the medical profession. He was born in Camp- bellville, Green County, Ky., and is a son of James M. and Sophia (Gaddie) Hubbard, natives of the same county and State. The father was born in 1806 and the mother in 1804, and were both members of the Baptist Church for a great many years. The elder Hubbard was a tanner by trade, and also engaged in farming, conducting both occupations with such judiciousness that he became very successful. In politics he was a Whig, and well known in political circles through- out his native State. He died in Campbellville in the year 1876, and the mother in 1856. Five chil- dren were born to their marriage, of whom B. C. Hubbard was the oldest, and with two others, are the only ones now living: George G. (a prominent physician at Munfordville, Ky.), and John P. (a farmer near the same town). Those deceased are Daniel and Margaret. B. C. Hubbard was edu- cated at the public and high schools of his native place, and on leaving school entered his father's establishment for the purpose of learning the tan- ner's trade. He followed this calling until 1853, and then went to Lewis County, Mo., locating near Monticello, where he remained one year. At the expiration of that time he returned to Camp- bellville, Ky., and entered into the tanning busi- ness for a short time on his own account. He afterward moved to Marion County, and located
near Bradfordville, continuing in business until 1860. In 1857 he commenced the study of medi- cine, and in 1859-60 attended the Medical Uni- versity of Kentucky at Louisville, where he gradu- ated in March of the latter year. Dr. Hubbard then located at Williamstown, Mo., for one year, and then moved to Canton in the same State, where he remained until 1866. That year he came to Arkansas Post, Arkansas County, Ark., and prac- ticed in that vicinity for two years, when he then moved to his present location, where he has built up a large practice and become one of the most prominent citizens in that section. When first starting in life, the Doctor had but very little worldly wealth, comparatively speaking, but his energy, skill and determination soon placed him on a plane where he could look at the world strug- gling beneath him. In the year 1854 he was mar- ried in Lewis County to Miss Nancy C. Lillard, a daughter of James M. Lillard, prominent in busi- ness circles at that place. This marriage gave them one child: Pattie M. (wife of Judge Alfred Witey, of Lincoln County, Ky.), but this daugh- ter died in 1884. For a short time during the Civil War Dr. Hubbard had charge of the Char- ity Post Hospital, and conducted that institu- tion with great credit to himself. In 1868 he was elected county and probate judge of Arkansas County, serving until 1872. In politics he is a stanch Republican, and a valuable man whenever he works for the interests of that party. Dr. Hubbard is a Mason of high standing, and in re- ligious faith belongs to the Missionary Baptist Church. His skill in the medical profession, his many personal qualities, and being a thorough gentleman, have made him one of the most popular men in his county.
John A. Hudgens, one of the best known citi- zens of Jefferson County, and a substantial planter, was born in Pine Bluff, in 1843. He is a son of Ambrose and Eliza (Irwin) Hudgens, of Texas and Tennessee, respectively. The father was born in Texas, in the year 1814, and moved with his parents to Arkansas in 1826, locating in Jefferson County, where he resided until 1869, when he moved to Lincoln County. He was a farmer and
180
HISTORY OF ARKANSAS.
blacksmith, bringing both occupations up to the finest points of perfection. The elder Hudgens had a remarkable memory, and could speak fluently five different Indian languages. His edu- cation was of the best, and obtained through his own exertions at home. He was known far and wide as a hunter of great prowess, but in later years, when the country became more thickly populated and game was thinned out, the chase lost its excite- ment, and his trusty rifle was hung upon the wall for good. He was highly respected by the citizens of Jefferson County during his residence there, and was elected by them to represent the county for one term in the legislature. He was also commissioner of improvements, justice of the peace, and held various other public offices, with the dignity and wisdom that elicited the pro- foundest respect. As a business man he made a snecess. Although a heavy loser by the late war, his tact and ability placed him on an independent basis, he having regained as much after that event as he had before. Mr. Hudgens was a spiritualist, and in politics a Democrat. During the rebellion his sympathies were with the South from beginning to end. The family on both sides are of English descent, the mother being a daughter of Major David Irwin, a famous soldier in the Revolutionary War. After the death of his first wife the elder Hudgens was married to Miss Jane Derresseaux, of Arkansas, this lady dying in June, 1868, and in 1869 he was married to Mrs. (Adkins) Brewster, of Tennessee. Three children were born to him by his first marriage, of whom John A., the prin- cipal of this sketch, is the only one now living, the two deceased being Mary and David W. ; the latter was a lieutenant in the Confederate army, and lost his life at Vicksburg while gallantly defend- ing his battery. Mr. Hudgens had no children by his second marriage, but two were born to the last, William and Jacob. Ambrose Hudgens died June 13, 1889, in his seventy sixth year. John A. re- ceived his education in his native county, and passed his life in a quiet, uneventful manner, until the year 1861, when he enlisted in the Confeder- ate army, becoming a member of Capt. McNally's company, in the Fifteenth Arkansas Infantry, and
taking part in the battles of Shiloh and several others of lesser note. After two years' service he was transferred to the ordnance department, and had charge of the manufacture of ammunition at Arkadelphia, Ark., and Marshall, Tex., a position in which he distinguished himself. In May, 1865, he returned to Jefferson County, which place he has made his home ever since. After leaving the army he was left almost penniless, but his deter- mined spirit and firmness of purpose led him on like the hero of Excelsior, and now he can look proudly down from his present prosperity and feel satisfied in the reflection that it was his own indus- try, toil and perseverance that have brought him where he is. Mr. Hudgens owns about 600 acres of the best land in Central Arkansas, and has placed about 300 acres under cultivation. In 1882 he commenced in business, which he actively con- tinued until the latter part of 1886. On Sep- tember 6, 1866, he was married to Miss Frankie Franklin, of Bradley County, Ark., by whom he has had six children: Luma (wife of John A. Pierce, a prominent farmer of this county), John A. (at home), Otelia (who died in her sixteenth year), Calla (at home), Willie, and Fannie. Mrs. Hudgens is a devout, Christian woman, and an in- defatigable worker for the church. Her husband is allied with the Democracy, and is a valuable man to that party in his section. He is very popular in both social and business circles, and is held in high esteem.
Hon. James A. Hudson is one of the substan- tial men of this State, and one of the old settlers and prominent citizens of Jefferson County. He is a native of Georgia, having been born in Jan- nary, 1817, in Petersburg, and is one of three sons who blessed the union of Charles and Lucy (Mc- Gehee) Hudson, natives of Virginia. Charles Hud- son, a merchant, died in Alabama when our subject was an infant; his wife subsequently returned to her father's home, and there James grew to man- hood. In 1830, the mother with her three boys, James, Lawrence and Marion (now deceased), set- tled near Memphis, and fourteen years later moved to Jefferson County, Ark., where she died in 1872, at the age of seventy-seven. Marion died in
1
JEFFERSON COUNTY.
181
this county in 1862, and Lawrence in Tennessee about 1839. James A. Hudson, after arriving in Arkansas, made the first entry of land recorded in this part of the county, and commenced opening up a farm. In 1848 or 1849 he settled on the place which he now occupies, where he has 600 acres under cultivation, owning upward of 8,000 acres in Jefferson, Grant, Lincoln and Cleveland Counties. In 1850 he put up a gin, and in 1883 built a new gin, saw and grist mill. He has been one of the most successful men of this community. He has also been engaged in general merchandis- ing, and in 1874 took $25,000 worth of shares in what is now the Merchant & Planters' Bank at Pine Bluff, but which at that time was conducted under the firm name of Smart, Hudson & Co. In 1887 he sold his interest in that concern, but has since taken other interests to the amount of $5,000. Some time before the war Mr. Hudson was com- missioned postmaster of Locust Cottage, which office he has since held, with the exception of a short term. In 1860 he was elected to the legis- lature, and re-elected in 1878, having no opposition and receiving every vote that was polled in the county, excepting twenty-nine. In 1840, while in Tennessee, Mr. Hudson married Nancy Gillespie, who died in 1867. To them were born ten chil- dren: Lucy J. Hunter (died in 1888), James M. (of Pine Bluff), Mary E. Smart (of Pine Bluff), Mattie V. Crawford (of the same place), Marion A., John A., Mrs. Isabella Hogg, and Walter C. (de- ceased). Walter was a graduate from a well known educational institution of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and died soon after returning home. Mr. Hudson's second marriage was to Mrs. Mary R. Ingraham, widow of Benjamin F. Ingraham. They have one son, Freddie M., attending school at Lexington, Va .. whose object in life is to become a lawyer. Mrs. Hudson is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, South, as is also her husband. He also belongs to the A. F. & A. M., and is a con- servative Democrat. Mr. Hudson is a self-made man, and active in the interest of schools, having been school director for years. His entire career reflects credit upon himself, for in every position in life his actions have been above reproach.
Dr. A. H. Ingram, retired, in former times one of the most skillful physicians in Jefferson County, was born in Mecklenburg County, N. C., on the 13th of December, 1821, and was a son of John M. and Rebecca (Harris) Ingram, natives of the same State, of Scotch origin. The father was born August 21, 1794, and the mother September 16, 1796. Both grandparents were soldiers in the Revolutionary War, in which Solomon Harris, the maternal grandfather, was wounded and captured at the battle of Cowpen but never incarcerated. The grandparents passed the remainder of their days in North Carolina, Joseph Ingram, the pater- nal grandfather, dying in his chair, of apoplexy, when in his seventy-sixth year. His wife died when forty-two years old. John M. Ingram was a farmer, which calling was followed by almost every one of the male members on both sides of the family. In 1856 he moved to Jefferson County, Ark., with his family and slaves, making the en- tire trip in wagons. On arriving he first located in Talladega Township, which now forms a portion of Cleveland County, and bought claims, upon which he began cultivating the land and resided until his death, in 1858, his wife following him the next year. Five sons were born to them, of whom Dr. A. H. Ingram is the only survivor. One of the sons, Benjamin F., was killed at the battle of Shiloh; Joseph J. commanded a battalion dur- ing the Civil War, and died after that event, as did also John and Thomas. A. H. Ingram, the sub- ject of this sketch, was reared and educated in Mecklenburg County, N. C., attending the David- son College at that place, only lacking two months of graduating when he was taken sick, remaining an invalid for two years. During his illness he read medicine, and in 1845 graduated from the Medical College of Charleston, S. C., commencing his prac- tice in Anson County, N. C. He remained here until 1857, and then moved to Jefferson County. Ark .. locating on the plantation adjoining that of his father. He resided here only a short time, and then moved to Sulphur Springs, where he re- mained until 1SSO, with the exception of two years at Pine Bluff. In 1880 he returned to the latter city, and has resided here ever since. For the
182
HISTORY OF ARKANSAS.
past fifteen years Dr. Ingram has been practically retired from his profession, and turned his atten- tion almost entirely to farming, his agricultural interests being quite extensive. He owns about 4,000 acres of productive land, and has placed some 500 acres under cultivation, besides raising a quantity of fine fruit. Owning considerable real estate, from which the rentals form a splendid in - come, he is thus enabled to pass the remainder of his days in comfort after a busy career. Dr. In- gram was married in 1845 to Miss Caroline P. Steele, of Montgomery County, N. C., by whom he has had five children, three of them yet living: Anna, Mattie, and J. S. He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity since 1854, and as a cit- izen is one of the most popular and respected men in the community.
whom survive: Richard, Estelle (wife of Mr. Beck- with, a prominent merchant of Jefferson County). Shelby, and Julia (wife of W. O. Coleman, a noted machinist of Alabama). By his second marriage only one of two children born is living, Frederick E., who resides at home. His last marriage gave him Edith and Hugh, who also reside at home. Mr. Jackman was a prominent Mason and helped to organize many lodges during his busy life. In politics he was a Democrat, and a man upon whom that party placed the greatest reliance. He was a popular citizen and a liberal supporter of all worthy ยท enterprises, and left a large circle of friends to mourn his death. Mrs. Jackman still resides on the plantation, consisting of 240 acres of valuable land seven miles north of Pine Bluff, and is a favorite with all her friends. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.
Richard B. Jackman is one of the prominent citizen of Jefferson County who have passed away James L. Johnson, one of the oldest living residents of Jefferson County, was born in the Dominion of Canada in 1811, and is perhaps better versed in this county's history than any other citizen, having, as an early settler of Pine Bluff, built the first frame house in that place. He came to the State of Arkansas in 1835. His parents were Thomas and Mary (Blair) Johnson, natives of Long Island and Prince Edward's Is- land, the former of whom located in New Bruns- wiek, and engaged in exporting timber and lum- ber. In his later life he was a very prominent man, having been appointed judge of the appel- late court. In this family were five sons and two daughters, and of these the subject of this sketch is now the only survivor. At the age of fourteen James L. was sent to Nova Scotia, where he served four years as apprentice learning the trade of car- penter and joiner, and at the age of twenty-two he started out for himself, landing in New York City, where he worked for several years. Going thence to New Orleans, he remained a short time, and later came up the river to Little Rock, finally reaching Pine Bluff's present site, in 1835, where he commenced working at his trade. But little inducement was offered for him to stop here, so he left and went up the Ohio River to Madison, Ind., within the last few years. He was born in Ken- tucky in 1830, and came to Arkansas with his parents when seven or eight years of age, locating at Richland, but afterward settled on the land where his widow now resides. In his youthful days young Jackman studied medicine and at- tended lectures at Louisville, Ky., with the inten - tion of ultimately adopting that profession, but find- ing that his preference had undergone a change after completing his studies, he turned his atten- tion almost exclusively to farming, and only gave the benefit of his knowledge in medicine to a few of his most intimate friends when they required it. During the war he served in the Confederate Army, and held the rank of lieutenant, taking part in a great many important engagements and performing his duty with distinction. Mr. Jack- man was married three times, his first wife being Miss Sarah Moore. After her death he was mar- ried to Miss Lydia Lemon, whose death occurred some years later. His third wife was Miss Martha Lemon, a daughter of Robert Lemon, of Tenn- essee, who died in Arkansas in 1866. His wife was born in Fayette County, Tenn., in 1843, and moved with her parents to Jefferson County, Ark., in 1860. By the first marriage Mr. Jack- man became the father of ten children, four of ; but after a short time again found himself in Pine
183
JEFFERSON COUNTY.
Bluff. In October, 1839, he went to Swan Lake, Arkansas County, locating on a tract of land cov- ered with heavy timber and cane, and on the spot where his home now stands he killed his first deer, despatching also a bear near by. There were only two settlers near him at that time. Mr. Johnson has since devoted himself to clearing his land and working at his trade, besides putting up gins for miles around In 1848 he built his present resi- dence, and the same year married Harrisynthe Racine, daughter of Athonas Racine, who married and raised his family in Arkansas. Mrs. Johnson was born at the Post of Arkansas, and died in 1885 at the age of sixty eight. They had two daughters: Mary (the wife of O. M. Spellman, re- cently appointed by President Harrison, United States marshal of this district), and Fannie, who is at home. When in New York Mr. Johnson joined the Odd Fellows, and was a Mason several years ago. He has taken some part in politics; was an old line Whig, and during the war was in sympathy with the Union cause. Though a sufferer from paralysis, he is engaged in planting and general merchandising, and by virtue of his long residence here as well as his true worth, enjoys a wide and favorable acquaintance.
W. D. Johnson, ex-judge and real-estate agent, Pine Bluff, Ark., and a representative citizen, is a native of Fayette County, Ala., where he was born January 12, 1828. He is a son of Col. Greef and Mary (Hellums) Johnson, the father a native of South Carolina and the mother of Tennessee. They were married near Knoxville, and a short time afterward, in 1807, crossed into Alabama, locating in Madison County, and being among the pioneers of that region. Col. Greef Johnson fol- lowed the occupation of a farmer in several coun- ties of Alabama, and in December, 1859, made his way to Pine Bluff, Ark., where both he and his wife passed their last days. He was a captain in the War of 1812, under Gen. Jackson, and was afterward colonel of the militia in Alabama. He was a powerfully built man and considered a very handsome one. He held the office of county judge in Mississippi, and also many other offices of pub- lic trust during his life. To his marriage were
born twelve children- four sons and eight daugh- ters -- only two now living: Mrs. Susan Ferguson (a resident of Gonzales County, Texas), and W. D. Johnson (of Pine Bluff). The latter was but five years of age when he accompanied his parents to Mississppi, and in that State he received the principal part of his education, being also early taught the duties on the farm. He was married in 1847 to Miss Elizabeth Womack. in Yalobusha County, Miss., and by her became the father of six children, four now alive: Sallie (wife of William E. Sallee), Dora (wife of L. T. Sallee), John N. and Robert L. Johnson. After marriage Mr. John- son was engaged in merchandising for four years, when he was made deputy sheriff of Yalobusha County, Miss., and filled this position to the satis- faction of all. In 1856 he moved to Pine Bluff, Ark., where he followed the livery business, and was also occupied in the liquor business a short time, after which he kept books about one year. He was then deputy clerk for three years, and in 1860 was appointed notary public, the first one to represent the county in that capacity. The same year he was elected mayor of the city, but still held his position of deputy clerk, and was in full charge of this office when the Federals took pos- session of the place in 1863. Judge Johnson studied law both before and after the war, admit- ted to the bar in August, 1865, and has continued his practice ever since, being for some time in the office of Gen. Yell, the noted criminal lawyer, and afterward a partner of Col. W. P. Grace for seven years. Aside from his law practice, Judge John- son is engaged extensively in the real estate busi- ness, and in 1867 and 1868 was prosecuting attor- ney for the city, and a part of the time for the dis- triet. He was disfranchised by the reconstruction acts of 1868, and enfranchised again in 1872 by special act of Congress. In 1878 he was elected county and probate judge, and re-elected in 1880 and 1882. At present he is handling a vast amount of real estate, and is doing the largest business in this line of any real estate firm in the city. He also owns considerable town property. He lost his wife in January, 1865, and was again married at Pine Bluff, Ark., in November, 1865, to Miss
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.