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 33
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 33
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 33
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 33
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 33
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 33
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 33
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 33
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 33
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N. T. Roberts, the present efficient county clerk of Jefferson County. Ark., was born in Greene County, Ala., in June, 1836, being the son of John and Martha (Jones) Roberts, of North Carolina and Alabama, respectively. John Roberts, a native of Edenton, N. C., was married about 1829 in Ala- bama, where he lived until 1852, when he came to Jefferson County, Ark .. with a brother-in-law, John M. Jones, and purchased a tract of land where Wab- baseka now stands, on the Texas & St. Louis Rail- road. It is at this time in possession of Capt. Rob- erts and his brother, John C. The tract, which con- sists of 634 acres, was then very wild land, with but seventeen acres cleared. a log house being the only improvement. There are now 800 acres under cultivation. The land was first located in 1844, by Jordan Embree, during the great overflow of that year. The parents of our subject had six children, only two of whom are living, N. T. and John C. John Roberts, Sr., was a planter, and followed that occupation until his death, which
occurred at the age of seventy-four. N. T. Rob. erts was reared on the farm, and educated in a private school at Buchanan, Va. In 1860 he came to Pulaski County, Ark., and engaged in farm- ing until the war broke out, when, in 1861, he enlisted in Company G., of Pulaski cavalry. At the organization of the First Arkansas Mounted Rifles he was chosen sergeant major, and was ap- pointed first lieutenant and also assigned as adju- tant of the same. He held this appointment until May, 1862, when he was appointed captain in the Provisional army, and was assigned to the com- mand of his regiment and company, a position which he filled until January, 1863, when he was ordered to report to Gen. Smith, in the Trans- Mississippi department, remaining there until the close of the war, in the meantime having been ordered to raise a company of scouts inside the Federal lines and there to operate until further orders. Prior to Price's Missouri raid, being di- rected to report to Gen. James F. Fagan, com- manding the Arkansas cavalry, he was put in command of four companies, forming his advance guard, and was on this duty until the surrender. At the battle of Oak Hills, Capt. Roberts was wounded (August 10, 1861) by a gunshot through both shoulders, and was off duty six months. He was in a number of important battles and several skirmishes. From 1865 to 1884 he engaged in farming. He came to Jefferson County in 1868. and has since been a resident here. In 1884 he was elected to his present office, and has been twice elected successively since, filling the office with honor and credit. He was first married, in 1867, to Miss Lucy Jones, who died in 1868. In 1880 he took for his second wife Miss Florence White, of Pine Bluff, by whom he has one son, King Tal- mage. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He is also a member of the Masonic order, and has taken de- grees in the Mystic Shrine. He is popular and highly esteemed, and an important factor in the development of this community.
J. C. Roberts, farmer, Wabbaseka, Ark. Among the many influential and substantial citi- zens of Jefferson County none are more prom-
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inently identified with its agricultural interests than Mr. Roberts. His birth occurred in Alabama, on June 14, 1842, and he received a good practical education in that State. His marriage to Miss Lelia B. Clement, a native of Alabama, took place October 6, 1871, and to this union have been born seven children, three sons and four daughters, six of whom are still living: Bettie C., Agnes, Fannie I., Mary E., Nathaniel T. (who died in early youth), John C., and Charley W. Early in life Mr. Roberts was initiated into the mysteries of farm life, and this pursuit he has since followed. He is the owner of 989 acres of good land, 500 acres of which are under cultivation, all in Jeffer- son County. He is a member of the Episcopal and his wife of the Methodist Church, and both are liberal supporters of all worthy enterprises. The parents of Mr. Roberts, John and Martha (Jones) Roberts, were natives of Raleigh, N. C., and Alabama, respectively, the father born in 1806. He moved from North Carolina to Alabama in 1824, and there married Miss Jones, who bore him six children, three sons and three daughters, two of whom survive, and both are residents of this State. He was a farmer, and was the owner of about 300 acres of good land. His wife died in 1847, and he in 1877. They were members of the Baptist Church.
John Rowsey is a native Arkansan, and a man of quite extensive acquaintance hereabouts, having been born near his present residence in 1838. Anthony Rowsey, his father, of Alabama nativity, came to this State in 1835, locating in Old River Township, where he married Salina Hassington, of Arkansas, and where he lived the life of a farmer till his death in 1886, at the age of seventy years. He was a very quiet man, but energetic and in- dustrious, and devoted to his farm work, in which he took especial delight. The mother died in 1853 or 1854. There were nine children born to this union, three of whom grew to maturity, and of these our subject is the only survivor. By the father's second marriage there was one child, Mary R., now ,Mrs. J. V. Sink, of Illinois. His third marriage was to Miss Angeline A. Butler, who is still living in this township, on a farm which she
owns. The life of the subject of this sketch has been spent in this township, with the exception of two years in Jefferson County, and the time he served in the war. He was a brave soldier in the Confederate service for four years, participating in the battles of Shiloh, Murfreesboro, Atlanta, and numerous minor engagements. At Jonesboro, Ga., he was taken prisoner, sent to Nashville, Tenn., and exchanged. Although struck three times he was not seriously wounded. After the war ended he came home and resumed his farm work, and in 1880 married Mrs. Margaret S. Mc- Kinzie, who was formerly Miss Nicks, born and reared in this township. She had then five chil- dren: Henry J., Bennie and Edna; Alice and Ruth (deceased). To Mr. and Mrs. Rowsey were born two children, an infant, who died, and Nancy, now aged five years. Mrs. Rowsey died in 1885, and our subject subsequently married Miss Mittie H. Diamond, a native of this State. They have one child living, John G. For eight years Mr. Rowsey was postmaster at Swan Lake, and has served as constable of his township. Politically he is a Democrat, and of decided worth and merit in the prominent interests of this locality.
William E. Sallee, merchant, Redfield, Ark. Mr. Sallee, one of the substantial business men of Jefferson County, is a uative of Campbell County, Ky., and was born on August 4, 1844. His par- ents were Thomas and Maria A. (Lacy) Sallee. The father was born in Bracken County, Ky., in 1809, and was there married to Miss Lacy, the daughter of William and Maria A. Lacy, in 1838. The fruits of this union were eight children, three sons and five daughters, five of whom are still liv- ing, two sons and three daughters. Mr. Sallee followed the occupation of a farmer, and owned a good farm of about 900 acres with 250 acres under cultivation. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he held a membership for forty-six years, filling every official position. He died on March 19, 1876, and his wife Novem- ber 16, 1886. Both were members of the Christ- ian Church. William E. Sallee was educated in Kentucky, near California, but in 1868 left his native State and moved to Arkansas, where he
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married Miss Sarah M. Johnson in October, 1875. She is the daughter of Judge Willis and Elizabeth Johnson. To Mr. and Mrs. Sallee have been born four children. three sons and a daughter, but one is now deceased. They were named as follows: Willis T., Littleton E., Ben L. and Icy L. Mr. Sallee is engaged successfully in mercantile pur- suits at this time, the firm title being Sallee & Co. Their capital is about $8,000. He has been a member of the Masonic order for twenty-four years and has held the offices of junior and senior warden. He has been school director for six years. He is a member of the Christian and his wife of the Pres- byterian Church.
H. W. Scull, a prominent citizen of Jefferson County, now practically retired from active busi- ness life, was born in that county on March 12, 1834, and is a son of James and Mannette (Vau- gine) Scull, the former a native of England and the latter from Louisiana. The father came to America with three other brothers at an early period and first settled in Philadelphia. They re- mained in that city a short time and then sepa- rated, each one going in a different direction. As early as 1809 a record of the elder Scull is found in Arkansas County, where he kept a trading post for the Indians. He was one of the first shippers from that section, and found a market for his goods at New Orleans. His son, H. W., has in his pos- session his father's old account book which he kept during the year 1809-10, and in which only one entry for medicine is found. that being for a bottle of paregoric. Coffee, sugar and other lux- uries were sold at fabulous prices in that region, and these articles the elder Scull shipped in large quantities to the Osage and other tribes. After leaving Arkansas County he moved to Jefferson County, where he was also one of its earliest set- tlers, the country then being a vast wilderness and inhabited almost entirely by savages and wild beasts. While at Arkansas Post he was an exten- sive shipper of furs, but upon coming to Jefferson County turned his attention to farming, and fol- lowed that calling with great success. His death occurred on July 3, 1846, when sixty-four years of age, while the mother died on February 8, 1859,
in her sixty-fifth year. They were the parents of ten children : James (deceased), Ben M. (deceased), William (deceased), Eliza, {deceased), Louisiana, P. (widow), Mary H. (deceased). Joseph B. (de- ceased), Anna M. (widow), Hewes B. (deceased, ) and Henry W. (the principal of this sketch). Henry W. Scull was reared on his father's farm, and received a liberal education in the common schools of his native county, afterward graduating at Centre College, Danville, Ky. When twenty years of age he entered a business house at Pine Bluff, where he occupied a position of trust for several years. He afterward formed a partnership under the firm name of Scull, Donaldson & Co., . dealers in general merchandise, but the Civil War commencing forced them to dissolve the firm. Mr. Scull then enlisted in the Jefferson Guards, com- manded by Capt. Charles Carleton, and served four years through the war, taking part in a num- ber of important battles and skirmishes, but for the greater part of the time was connected with the pay department. After the war he came to Pine Bluff stripped of everything, and was compelled to accept a subordinate position in a mercantile establishment at that city, where he gradually rose and remained for a number of years. For the past five or six years he has turned his attention entirely to real estate, in which he has been very successful and now owns considerable property in Pine Bluff and vicinity. On May 16, 1866. he was married to Miss Laura J. King, of Helena, Ark., by whom he has two children: Millie M. (wife of William I. Haizlip) and Julia. Mrs. Scull died in 1873, after proving herself a devoted wife and mother. Mr. Scull is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Knights of Honor, Knights of Pythias and Royal Arcanum. He has done much to ad- vance and develop the interests of his county, and is one of the most popular citizens in that section.
W. J. Shelby, another progressive farmer and stock raiser of Jefferson County, Ark., is a native of that county, born on September 14, 1851. and is one of seven children, five sons and two daughters, born to the union of A. G. and Eliza (Henry) Shelby. A. G. Shelby was born in Tip- pah County, Miss., in the year 1823, receiving his
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education in the same State. He moved to Ar- kansas in 1845, and was there married to Miss Henry in 1850. Of their family of children only four are now living (all in this State), whose names are as follows: George A., Charley B., Mand M. and W. J. The father was an agriculturist by occupation, owning about 160 acres of good land, and this was left in the hands of his wife at the time of his death, which occurred on December 20, 1875. Mrs. Shelby is still living and resides with her son, W. J. Shelby. A. G. Shelby served in the late war, entering the ranks in 1862 under Gen. Hindman, and was captured at Pine Bluff in 1864. He was paroled, returned home, and the same year removed to Illinois, where he remained until 1865, and then returned to his former place of residence where his death occurred. His wife is a member of the Methodist Church, South. W. J. Shelby received his education in Jefferson County, Ark., and since his youthful days has fol- lowed the occupation of farmer, being now the owner of 200 acres of land, 120 acres of which are cultivated. He, like his father, held a member- ship in the Grange, and is a liberal contributor to all charitable and laudable enterprises.
Albert R. Sherrill, M. D., is a physician of Jefferson County whose eminence has attained that degree in which he is almost satisfied to rest on his laurels, but still keeps steadily on in his noble profession, owing to the urgent calls made upon him. He was born in Wilson County, Tenn., on the 26th of February, 1826, and is a son of Archibald and Agnes (Moss) Sherrill, natives of the same county and State. Both parents were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The father was a successful farmer, and a very prominent citizen of Wilson County during his life, and conducted some of the most important enter- prises that promoted the future development of that place. In politics he was a Whig. The father's death occurred in 1852, after a life of use- fulness to his fellow men and honor to himself, his wife following him in 1866. Twelve children were born to their marriage, of whom six are yet living: J. F. (a well-known physician in Middle Tennessee), Newton A. (one of the largest farmers
near Lebanon, in the same State), E. (a black- smith near the same town), Dr. Albert R., Martha Cemons (of Obion, Tenn.), and Dr Hugh (at Union City, West Tenn.). Albert R. received his educa- tion at the Cumberland University of Lebanon, Tenn., and graduating from that college, he com- menced the study of medicine under his elder brother, J. F. In 1854-55 he attended lectures at Nashville, Tenn., and in the latter year came to Arkansas and located in Pulaski County, where he remained for two years. He next moved to Jeffer- son County, where be has resided ever since, and built up a practice, which has been gratifying to his skill. The Doctor is well known for his benev- olence and his ready answer to the call for help, and hundreds of the poorer class in Jefferson County have cause to be thankful for his charity. Dr. Sherrill met with some reverses during the Civil War, but with wonderful pluck and energy he gathered up the remnants of his shattered for- tune after that event and again started to build up his losses. He now owns about 500 acres of valu- able land in Jefferson County, and something like 840 acres in Lincoln County. During the Re- bellion he entered the Confederate army, and served in the capacity of surgeon a great deal, and when not in the ranks he devoted his time to out- side practice. His record in the army is one that will always reflect npon him with honor, for his bravery in more ways than one, and his skillful service in behalf of some poor wounded comrade, whose shattered limbs were bandaged by his kind- ly hands, will never be forgotten. In 1857 he was married to Mrs. Barrett, a charming widow lady, who died some years afterwards. In 1881 Miss Elizabeth Griffin became his second wife, but the following year she too died. In politics the Doc- tor is a Democrat, and a stanch supporter of that party. In religion he was formerly a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, but at the present time does not favor any particular persua- sion. During the years 1872-73 he was in the drng business at Pine Bluff, but his growing practice forced him to give it up. He is one of the most popular men in his county with every class of so- ciety, and also one of its most enterprising citizens.
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Frank Silverman, sheriff and collector, Pine Bluff, Ark. The public services of Mr. Silverman since his election to his present position have been characterized by a notable devotion to the welfare of this county, and his ability and fidelity in this position of public trust, have made a lasting im- pression upon the sphere of public anty. He was born in Wooster, Wayne County, Ohio, January 6, 1843, and is the son of Lyon and Mary (Troutman) Silverman, the father a native of Germany and the mother of Berks County, Penn. The mater- nal great- grandfather, Jacob Troutman, was a Rev- olutionary patriot, and could not speak a word of English. Lyon Silverman came to America when thirteen years of age and stopped at Philadel- phia, where he became apprenticed to the mercan- tile business. He subsequently went to Mansfield, Ohio, where he engaged very extensively in mer- chandising, and later moved to Wooster, where he was married and remained for several years. ' He is now a resident of Rockaway, N. Y., being retired in his seventy-second year. The mother died at Little Rock, Ark., in 1885. They were the parents of eight children, seven now living: Frank Caroline (who resides in New York City), Emma (resides in Little Rock), Samuel (resides in St. Louis), Ida (resides in Portland, Ore.), Belle (resides at the same place). and Georgia (also there). Frank Silverman was reared and edu- cated in Wisconsin, having graduated at Racine (Wisconsin) College. In 1859 he started out to travel, visiting the principal cities of Europe, and was abroad about one year. In 1861 he enlisted in the three months' service, and at the expiration of that time joined the regular service, but being under age his father got him out much to the dis- gust of the young hero. In 1871 he went to St. Louis for a short time, and subsequently to Pine Bluff, Ark., where he became editor of the Jeffer- son Republican, purchasing the outfit and running the paper for two years. He next engaged in the mercantile business, but was quite unfortunate in this venture and became entirely bankrupt. In 1876 he was elected on the Republican ticket as county and probate judge, holding the position two years. He then became land commissioner of the
Little Rock & Texas Road, held this position a short time and next became deputy sheriff, dis- charging the duties of this place until elected to his present office, in 1886, being re-elected in 1888. He has conducted the official affairs to the entire satisfaction of all, and during this time has been twice receiver of the Pine Bluff & Swan Lake Rail- road. He was married first, in 1863, to Miss Lizzie Swords, by whom he had three children: Maude, Randall and Blanche. Mr. Silverman was mar- ried the second time, in 1873, to Miss Grace Haw- ley, by whom he has one child, Edith. He is past eminent commander of the Knights Templar, and is the grand representative of the State of New Hampshire in Arkansas. He is a member of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, Knights of Honor, Royal Arcanum and American Legion of Honor.
Hon. Theodoric F. Sorrells was born in Beach Grove, Bedford County, Tenn., August 18, 1821, being a son of Walter B. Sorrells, of North Caro- lina. The father was a planter, and also well known in politics in Tennessee and Mississippi. He moved from his native State when very young, and settled in Bedford County, Tenn., where he was educated, married, and resided for thirty years. He then moved to Fayette County, in the same State, but shortly afterward went to Mar- shall County, Miss., where he remained for twenty years. In 1858 he came to Arkansas County, Ark., and made that his home until his death, in 1864, at the age of seventy years. For twenty years he held the office of surveyor of Marshall County, Miss., an office that his intelligence and ability made it almost impossible to fill with a successor his equal. He was a man of moral char- acter and integrity, and was never known to touch intoxicating drinks, this perhaps accounting for his great success in life. Judge Sorrells' grand- father, David Sorrells, was also a native of North Carolina, and was married in that State, but after- ward moved to Bedford County, Tenn., where he resided for thirty-five years. He then located in Henderson County, of the same State, where his death occurred in 1851, at the age of eighty years. He took no part in the earlier wars of this country, but his father was a soldier in the Revolution and
1
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fought at King's Mountain, and he also had a brother under Gen, Jackson at the battle of New Orleans. The Sorrellses of the United States are descendants of three brothers, who came from England at an early period and settled in Northi Carolina. All of the family in America derive their origin from them, and have all been chiefly farmers of good standing, in the middle ranks of 1
society. A few have been ministers of the gospel and merchants, but none have ever figured prom- inently in public life except the Judge. Judge Sorrells' mother was Martha Boswell, who was reared on the Potomac River, a short distance below Alexandria, Va., and was one of the Old Domin- ion's fairest daughters. She died when her son Theodoric was only eighteen months old, after a life of model motherhood. Theodoric F. Sorrells was reared and instructed in farm life until his twenty-first year, when his father paid him a sal- ary, so that he might procure an education. From 1841 to 1843 he attended school at Memphis, Tenn., where he obtained a good English educa- tion as well as a knowledge of the higher branches and classics, and a course in the sciences. His academical career was interrupted by the war be- tween Texas and Mexico, and at the call of Gen. Sam Houston for volunteers, he left his books and proceeded to Texas, to take up arms in defense of that State. He landed at Galveston, and was mus- tered into service on April 7, 1842, in Kit Wil- liams' company, from Memphis, and remained in camp at Corpus Christi for three months. On July 7, 1842, he took part in the battle of Lapan- ticlan, between the Texans under Gen. James Davis, and the Mexicans under Gen. Canales. On August 23, of the same year, he was honorably discharged, under the signature of Col. George W. Hockley, Texas secretary of war, and approved by Sam Houston, president of the Republic. When ten years old he joined the Methodist Church, and has been a member in good standing ever since. He has never sowed any wild oats, consequently has none to reap. His habits have been uniform all his life. He has never played a game of cards, nor any other game of chance, nor has he ever danced a reel; neither has he ever been drunk or
i
sued for debt in his life, as he always paid every debt he owed. Judge Sorrells is a man of turbu- lent passions when aroused, but has a wonderful amount of self-control. Up to within ten years ago the tobacco habit was almost second nature to him, but since that time he has not touched a morsel of the weed, nor has he ever used profane language. From early childhood the desire pos- sessed him to be a lawyer, and after attaining man- hood, he diligently applied himself to that study, being licensed to practice on March 26, 1846, by Alexander M. Clayton. then supreme judge of Mississippi. Immediately afterward he went to Texas, the scene of his former exploits, and begun to practice his profession, and while at La Grange, enlisted in Col. Jack Hayes' regiment of mounted riflemen. He then was transferred to Mexico, and took part in the Mexican War until the expiration of his term of service, and after that event, left that country and returned to Marshall County, Miss. In the fall of 1847 he came to Arkansas and settled at Princeton, Dallas County, the fol- lowing year, where he commenced to practice his profession. He soon established himself in the confidence of his neighbors, and built up a large practice, and his popularity attained such a height that in February, 1849, he was elected prosecut- ing attorney, and re-elected in February, 1851. In August, 1854, he was elected circuit judge, and held that office until 1858, and in 1860 was elector for the State at large, on the Breckenridge and Lane ticket, and delegate to the Baltimore con- vention in 1860. In 1888 he was delegate to the Deep Water Harbor convention, held at Denver, Col., and is now a member of the standing Deep Water Harbor committee; he also was a delegate to the Topeka convention, in 1889, and is now chairman of the executive committee in Arkansas, and is a strong advocate of that great commercial movement, which has for its object the construc- tion of a deep water harbor on the coast of Texas, being heartily in favor of an appropriation by Congress, sufficient for that purpose. Elsewhere in this work, Mr. Sorrells' address in reference to this measure is referred to. During the Civil War his efforts for the Southern cause were untir-
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