Biographical and historical memoirs of eastern Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the state, a number of biographies of distinguished citizens of the same, a brief descriptive history of each of the counties named herein, and numerous biographical sketches of the prominent citizens of such counties., Part 125

Author: Goodspeed Publishing Company
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. ; St. Louis [etc.] : The Goodspeed Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 836

USA > Arkansas > Biographical and historical memoirs of eastern Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the state, a number of biographies of distinguished citizens of the same, a brief descriptive history of each of the counties named herein, and numerous biographical sketches of the prominent citizens of such counties. > Part 125

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$200,000. He owns about 640 acres of land, and with 500 acres under cultivation, located sixteen miles west of Helena. The farm is admirably adapted to the growing of hay, grain and vegeta- bles, and presents a fine appearance in its care- fully cultivated state. Mr. Gist is quite exten- sively engaged in stock raising, from which he receives a comfortable income. Politically he is a Democrat, and is a citizen of whom Phillips County may well be proud; honest, enterprising and a leader in any movement that suggests the present or future growth of the community.

Thomas Clark Glasscock, a planter and stock raiser of Cypress Township, was reared and edu- cated in Alabama, his native State, also being mar- ried there in 1856 to Miss Isabella Couch, whose birth occurred in Morgan County, Ala., November 22, 1836. She was a daughter of Uriah and Eliza- beth (Turney) Couch, both of Tennessee origin. In 1861 Mr. Glasscock enlisted in the Twenty- ninth Alabama Infantry, and served over three years. In 1867 he immigrated from Alabama to Tennessee, and two years later moved to Phillips County, Ark., and located on the farm on which he now lives, as superintendent, remaining- until 1874, when he returned to Alabama, and in 1881 came back to this county and again took charge of the same plantation, consisting of 1,400 acres, with over 400 acres under cultivation. Mr. Glasscock was born in Blount County, Ala., August 11, 1837, and was a son of John R. and Martha (Ruther- ford) Glasscock, natives of Tennessee and Alabama, respectively. John R. Glasscock was born about 1822, a son of Gregory Glasscock, who was also born in Tennessee, of English descent, and moved to Alabama when John R. was a boy of eight years. He took part in numerous early Indian wars, and is still living in Cullman County, Ala. His wife was born in 1824, and died in 1887, hav- ing been the mother of twelve children, eight of whom are still living. Thomas C. Glasscock is a member of the Masonic order, holding the office of Worshipful Master of his lodge, and is a strong Democrat in politics. Himself and wife have no children of their own, but reared one child, Min- nie M. (Mrs. Couch), who still resides with them.

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James P. H. Graham is a native of North Carolina, but was reared in Mississippi, and re- ceived his education in the common schools of that State. At the age of twenty-two he commenced farming for himself, and in December, 1860, was married to Miss Sarah Cathey, whose birth occurred in Mississippi, on October 10, 1842. She died in January, 1872, being the mother of four children, one of whom, Elizabeth A. D., is still living. In November, 1872, Mr. Graham married Sarah E. Jarrett, born in Alabama, in August, 1851,a daugh- ter of Freeman and Mary (McMillen) Jarrett, and a sister of Joseph F. Jarrett, whose biography appears in this work. They are parents of seven children, five living: Mary M., Josie E., Joseph W., Mittie P.'and Edner L. Our subject was born in Cleveland County, N. C., on January 27, 1838. Arthur H. Graham, his father, was born in North Carolina, on September 17, 1809, and re- moved to Mississippi in 1839, coming from that State to this county in 1869. He was mar- ried on January 23, 1834, to Miss Elizabeth D. S. Wray, also of North Carolina, born in 1815, and a daughter of James Wray, of English descent. She died in 1844, leaving five children, two of whom survive: James P. H. and William Walter. The senior Mr. Graham was engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in Novem- ber, 1887. He was the son of John Graham, of Irish descent, though a native of Cleveland Coun. ty, N. C. James Graham came to this county witli his father in 1869, and has since resided here. He was a resident of Mississippi at the time of the breaking out of the war, and enlisted in March, 1862, in Company A of the Ninth Mississippi In- fantry, serving until December, 1863, when he was taken prisoner at the battle of Missionary Ridge, and carried to Rock Island, where he was confined until May 3, 1865. He was then exchanged and received his discharge at Natchez, Miss. Although captured early in the war, he participated in four great battles of the war, Shiloh, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge. Mr. Gra- ham now owns a fine farm of 160 acres, with 112 acres under cultivation, upon which are im- provements, buildings, orchards, &c. He is a

stanch Democrat, and although not an office seeker, was elected justice of the peace in 1884, which position he held for a year. He then re- signed on account of other business matters requir- ing his attention. He is a member of the K. of H. and of the Christian Church, his wife belonging to the Baptist Church.

H. M. Grant, M. D., and ex-State senator, was born in Christian County, Ky., in May, 1829, and is one of two surviving members of a family of twelve children born to Joshua D. and Henrietta (McNeal) Grant, the former a native of North Car- olina, and the latter of Virginia. Both parents were taken to Kentucky when young, and there they were married and spent the greater portion of their lives, the mother's death occurring in that State, and the father's in Northwest Arkansas, he being a farmer and merchant by occupation. Both grandfathers served in the War of 1812. Dr. Grant received the earlier part of his education in Kentucky, and completed his studies at McKendrie College, Lebanon, Ill. At the age of seventeen years he began his medical studies, and favored with excellent preparatory training he was enabled to at once enter upon a successful career. In 1849, when in his twentieth year, he graduated from the Louisville Medical College, and his first practice was at La Fayette, Ky., but here he only remained a short time. In 1850 he came to Helena, Ark., which only had about 200 inhabitants at that time, rented an office, and hung out his " shingle," and is now the oldest medical practitioner in the town. His success has been very gratifying, and to say that he is a superior physician and surgeon is not detrimental to other physicians of the town and county. At the opening of the war he began drilling a corps of soldiers preparatory to entering the service, but a few days before ready to begin active duty his horse fell with him, injuring him so badly that he was insensible for several days. His right arm was severely injured, and rendered him unfit for active military duty, which has always been a source of much regret to him, as he had the requisites necessary for an excellent soldier. He rendered good service, however, in dressing the wounded at different battles, aud in this capacity

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his labors were invaluable. While on board a boat going down the river he fell asleep and came very near being drowned, as the boat was commencing to sink rapidly, and he was only saved from a watery grave by his companions pulling him out at the skylight by liis injured arm. This so aggra vated the difficulty that the joint became stiff, and he has never since had good use of it. He has filled the position of mayor of Helena for several terms, also councilman, and in 1866 was elected to the State senate, serving by re- election four years, and was again chosen to the position in 1880, serving another four years by re-election. He was the first mayor of Helena after the war, the last man elected to the senate before the reconstruction period, and the first white man elected after. He has always been a man of strict integrity, sterling worth, and his progressive and sound views on all public matters has made him well and favorably known to the residents of Phillips County. He was first married in the State of Illinois to Miss Sarah E. Roach, and by her had one child, who is now deceased. His second marriage was consum- mated in the State of Kentucky, in 1848, to Miss Sarah Griffin, by whom he also had one child: Sarah C., wife of H. P. Grant. His present wife (who was Araminta J. Blaine) is a relative of James G. Blaine. They also have one child: Lillian H. The Doctor is a Royal Arch Mason, a member of the I. O. O. F., and he and wife belong to the Episcopal Church. His sister, Mrs. Eme- line S. Daniel, resides in Mount Vernon, Ill., and a brother, Judge A. M. Grant, died at that place.

Nathaniel Lee Graves, a Tennesseean by birth, has been a resident of this county since four years of age. He was born in Giles County, Tenn., in 1836, being a son of Alexander and Ann (Graves) Graves, natives of Granville County, N. C., and Henry County, Va., respectively, representatives of two distinct families. Alexander Graves came to Arkan- sas in 1840, and located in Phillips County, where he was engaged in farming until his death in 1863, his wife following one year later. They were the parents of seven children, three of whom are still living. The principal of this sketch was first mar- ried in March, 1869, to Miss Mary E. Boone, a

daughter of O. C. Boone, a lineal descendant of the noted Daniel Boone. She died in 1876, leav- ing two sons: Alexander W. and Nathaniel J. Mr. Graves was married to his second wife, Florence Carson, a native of Natchez, Miss., April 1, 1878. Mr. Graves owns a fine farm of 2,560 acres of land, situated thirteen miles west of Helena, of which 1,300 acres are under cultivation. His principal crop is cotton, and he grows of this product from five to seven hundred bales per annum: He also raises considerable stock, having on hand at the present time about seventy head of horses, 125 head of cattle and 300 sheep. On his plantation there are fifty colored families and eight white families of laborers engaged in the operation of this immense plantation. Mr. Graves also owns and operates his own steam cotton-gin. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Knights of Honor and of the United Workman. He and wife are members of the Old School Presbyterian Church. Mr. Graves is one of the most influential men in the county, and takes an active interest in all pub- lic enterprises.

F. M. Hawkins, farmer, Vineyard, Ark. In the year 1836, in Tennessee, there was born to the union of Jehu and Sarah (Owens) Hawkins, a son, F. M. Hawkins, who was the youngest of three children, only one, our subject, now living. The parents were natives of North Carolina and Ten- nessee, respectively, and the father came to Arkan- sas in 1847, locating ten miles east of Jacksonport in Jackson County. After remaining there for four or five years he moved to Missouri and set- tled near Prairie City, where his death occurred sometime during the war. Mrs. Hawkins died in 1837. After the death of Mrs. Hawkins, the father married Miss Armstrong who bore him three children: Henry, Winfield and Mary. Mrs. Haw- kins died in 1849 and Mr. Hawkins' third marriage was to a sister of his second wife. F. M. Haw. kins was principally reared in Jackson County and received the major part of his education at home. He commenced for himself at the age of eighteen years by tilling the soil and this has been the princi- pal pursuit through life. In 1861 he joined the army as a private and was promoted first to fifth ser-

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geant, then to lieutenant and later to captain of the Nineteenth Arkansas Regiment and served in the Trans-Mississippi Department, Tappan's brigade and Churchill's division for nearly four years. He was in the battles of Mansfield (La.), Pleasant Hill (La.) and Jenkins' Ferry. He was captured at Arkansas Post and was sent to Camp Douglas, Chicago, where he remained until March, 1863. He then succeeded in making his escape. He returned to his company at Little Rock, and his command surrendered at Shreveport (La.) at the close of the war. Mr. Hawkins then went to Ken- tucky, remained there eight years and was en- gaged in cultivating the soil. In 1872 he came to this county and bought 117 acres of land the following year and on that he now resides. To the original tract he has added enough to make 353 acres, and now has 100 acres of deadwood, preparatory to clearing. He produces on his farm about forty bales of cotton, but devotes a great deal of his time to the raising of stock. He has some graded cattle and hogs and is also raising some horses. He was married in 1874 to Mrs. Bettie Brady (nee Payne) of Shelby County, Ky., and the daughter of John Payne and wife (nee Nugen) of the same State. Mr. Hawkins is a mem- ber of the Old School Presbyterian Church, and Mrs. Hawkins is a member of the Missionary Bap- tist Church.

William Harvey Henderson is a son of Hamp- ton and Mary (Graham) Henderson, the former of whom died when William H. was about fifteen years of age. He lived with his mother until twenty-two years old, when he began farming for himself, and in 1854 was married to Miss Susan Steward, a native of Georgia, who died in the fol- lowing year. Mr. Henderson married his present wife, Miss Margaret King, in January, 1860; she was born in Mississippi in 1839. They are the parents of nine children, four of whom are still living: Thomas J., James H., Sarah V. (the wife of William H. Allison, of this county) and Mary B. (wife of Allen Terry). In 1859 Mr. Hender- son purchased his present farm, consisting of 160 acres, which was at that time wild land, with no im- provements, and now he has over seventy acres

under cultivation. His principal crop is cotton, and he also raises considerable corn as well as cat- tle and hogs. He is a prominent Democrat, and himself and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Henderson was born in Gib- son County, Tenn., November 14, 1831. Hampton Henderson was of English descent, his father being born in England. He moved to Tennessee when a young man, and died in 1844. His wife was a native of North Carolina, and died in 1862. They were the parents of eight children, two of whom are still living: Thomas and William H. (the principal of this sketch).

Richard B. Higgins, a planter of Phillips Coun- ty of considerable prominence, is a native of Phil- lips County, Ark., his birth occurring October 27, 1852. His father, Richard Higgins, was born in Lexington, Ky., in 1827, and in 1846 immigrated to Crittenden County, Ark. Two years later he moved to Phillips County, where he became an extensive planter, owning at the date of his death, in 1862, over 1,300 acres of valuable land. He was the son of Joel Higgins, a Kentuckian by birth, and of Scotch-Irish descent. Richard Higgins, Sr., was married in Kentucky to Miss Elizabeth B. Brand, born in Lexington, Ky., in 1829, and is now residing in that city. By her marriage with Mr. Higgins, she became the mother of five chil- dren, the subject of this sketch being the fourth in order of birth. Richard B. received his education in the schools of Kentucky, and in 1879 was mar- ried to Miss Mary C. Rankin, of Kentucky, who was born in 1859. To their union these children have been born: Richard B. and Robert P. Mr. Higgins is farming the land which he inherited from his father, consisting of 770 acres, with 500 under a careful and successful state of cultivation. He raises over 200 bales of cotton annually, and the many improvements incident to his ownership, demonstrate his spirit of energy and progression. Mr. and Mrs. Higgins are members in high stand- ing of the Christian Church. The former is a Democrat, having cast his first political vote for Samuel J. Tilden. He served as deputy sheriff for his county for two years, discharging the duties of that office in a highly commendable manner. In

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societies he is identified with the K. of P., Legion of Honor, and the United Workman.

William Hildreth, one of the most promising of Phillips County's young and prospering farmers, was born in Paris, Ky., April 23, 1855. His father, Joseph A. Hildreth, was also a native of Kentucky, where he is now residing, and recognized as among the leading planters. He is the son of John Hil- dreth, of Virginia nativity. Joseph A. was mar- ried to Miss Sallie Smith, of Bourbon, Ky., who died in 1878, having borne six children, three sons and three daughters, all living. William is the oldest in order of birth. In 1877 he left his home and came to Phillips County, several years later purchasing his farm on which he now resides. This farm consists of 103 acres, with over ninety acres carefully cultivated. In 1880 Mr. Hildreth was united in marriage with Miss Josie Keller, who was born in Paris, Ky., in 1856, and a daugh- ter of Patrick and Margaret Keller. Two children have been born to their union: Mary and Belle. Mr. Hildreth is a Democrat, and a gentleman who takes an active interest in all matters pertaining to the benefit or growth of the county.

S. H. Holtzclaw, farmer and stockman, Vine- yard, Ark. Phillips County is rapidly coming into a position as one of the foremost stock coun- ties in the State, and it is but uttering a plain fact to say, that to a few men in this community is due the credit for advancing stock interests here and establishing a reputation in this department which is bound to stand for years. Mr. Holtzclaw has had not a little to do toward developing this indus- try, and, if for no other account, he is accorded a worthy place in this volume. He was born in Mis- sissippi in 1849, and his parents, E. and E. (Green) Holtzclaw, were natives of North Carolina and South Carolina, and of German and English origin, respectively. E. Holtzclaw came to Mississippi in 1849, and followed farming on rented land until about 1855, when he came to Phillips County, Ark. He bought 160 acres on Big Creek, and afterward added to this amount, until he was the owner of 320 acres, with 160 acres improved. Canebrake was standing all over the table-lands at that time and game abounded in this section, even up to 1860.

From 1855 to 1865 fire was applied plentifully to the cane to drive out the panthers, bears and wild- cats, for it was almost impossible to raise calves or pigs while these animals were so numerous. Mr. Holtzclaw owned about twenty-three negroes, old and young, and was one of the leading farmers of this section. He died in 1874, and his wife four years previous. Both were members of the Bap- tist Church. They were the parents of ten chil- dren, seven of whom lived to be grown, and four are now living: Mary J. (wife of William H. Mc- Grew, of Phillips County), S. H. (our subject), Warren (resides in this county), Matheney (wife of William Wooten, resides in this county). S. H. Holtzclaw attained his growth and received a meager education in Phillips County, his school days being cut short by the breaking out of the war. This deficiency he has made up to a great extent since reaching manhood and by his own exertions. At the age of twenty one years he commenced farming for himself on rented land, and this continued for three years. In 1874, or at the time of the death of his father, he as- sumed control of the latter's property, wound np the business, and in 1875 purchased eighty acres of fine land. Since then he has added 120 acres of land, and has 170 acres under cultivation, on which he produces about sixty-five bales of cotton, or about three-fourths of a bale per acre. He also raises plenty of corn and hay to keep the stock on his farm, and very rarely fails to have corn to sell. He was married in 1878 to Miss Maggie Chappell, of Phillips County, and the daughter of Christopher and Ann (Green) Chappell, natives of North Caro- lina. Her parents came to Arkansas about 1834, and settled on what is now known as the Chappell place. The father was a noted hunter in this sec- tion, and he and Uncle Bill McGraw and Andy Adams were the hunters in this county in early days, killing as many as five or six bears in one hunt. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Holtzclaw were born five children, three now living: C. J. (deceased), H. G., Charner. (deceased), Ervie Ophelia and Sylvestus. Mr. and Mrs. Holtzclaw are both members of the Christian Church.

E. C. Hornor, merchant, Helena, Ark. The

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trade in general dry goods has long constituted one of the leading commercial pursuits of the country, and in this line in Helena is found a thoroughly representative house controlled by E. C. Hornor, who carries the most complete and extensive stock of goods to be had in the city. He was born in Helena April 24, 1859, and is a son of William and Anna (Reynolds) Hornor, natives of Kentucky. The father was a merchant, and was one of the early settlers of Phillips County, Ark. During the late war he was an officer in the quartermaster's department, and died while on duty. The mother is now the wife of James W. Wicker- sham, of Fort Smith, Ark. E. C. Hornor, the youngest of three children, received his education in Helena. He began clerking in a store when sixteen years of age, with Mckenzie, Hornor & Co., and by industrious habits and economy he saved sufficient means to enable him to start in business for himself. In 1884 he invested in a small stock of goods, valued at perhaps $500, and by strict attention to business he soon built up a good trade, and now has one of the neatest and best equipped stores in the city, with a stock of goods valued at $40,000. During the year 1889 he did a business of $85,000. He employs nine men, and although he is the youngest business man in the city, he is a bright factor in the mercantile affairs of the city. He was married in December, 1887, to Miss M. Blanche Morten, of Sumnerville, Tenn., and the fruits of the union have been two sons, Morten and William Edward.

Thomas H. Hubbard. Like many, and per- haps the most of the representative citizens of Phillips County, Ark., Mr. Hubbard is a Virginian, his birth occurring in Halifax County in June, 1843, being a son of Dr. H. C. and Ann M. (Os- borne) Hubbard, who were also Virginians, the former's birth occurring in 1804, and the latter's in 1809. Their respective deaths were in Cumber- land and Buckingham Counties, in 1873 and 1852. Dr. Hubbard was a graduate of the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, Ohio, and practiced his pro- fession in Cumberland County, Va., until his death, being also engaged in farming. After the death of our subject's mother, he married Miss Sallie P.

Swann. He and his first wife were members of the Missionary, Baptist Church, and in his political views he was a Whig. Thomas H. Hubbard is the second of their five children, two now living, the other member being William O. His early schooling was received in Cumberland County, and upon the opening of the war he joined the Confed- erate service, and became a member of the Twen- ty-first Virginia Infantry, and two years later joined the Third Virginia Cavalry. He was in many battles, and was wounded at Cedar Mount- ain, by a gun-shot, in the breast and left arm, and surrendered at Appomattox Court House. After returning home he resumed his farming operations, but in 1870 moved to Coahoma County, Miss., and at the end of eight years removed to Phillips County, Ark. He was married, in 1880, to Miss Julia Nixon, a native of Brownsville, Miss., and by her is the father of two children: Henry C. and Louise. Mr. Hubbard is a thrifty farmer, careful, prudent and economical, and those who know him best recognize in him a good friend and neighbor. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and in his political views he is a Demo- crat.

Edward L. Hubbard, well and favorably known to a host of acquaintances in this community, was born in Phillips County, September 26, 1849, and during his long residence here has become well known for his many sterling qualities. He is pro- gressive in his views, and the advanced state of the agricultural facilities of the county is due to him as well as to his neighbors. His plantation com- prises 667 acres of land, and of this 300 acres are under cultivation. His opportunities for acquiring an education were above the average, for he sup- plemented his primary education, which he re- ceived in the State of Ohio, by attending an excellent school in St. Louis. He and his sister Sarah are the only surviving members of a family of five children, born to Dr. John M. and Adaline P. (King) Hubbard, the former a native of the " Nutmeg State," and the latter of Louisiana. The Doctor was a man of exceptionally fine mind, and was exceedingly well educated, being a gradu- ate of Yale College and also of a medical college.

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Possessing the spirit of adventure, and thinking to better his fortunes he pushed westward, and after practicing his profession for some time in Natchez, Miss., he went to Louisiana, where he married and made his home until his removal in 1837 to Phil- lips County, Ark. His labors to alleviate the suf- ferings of the sick and afflicted prospered, and the excellent health which many of the residents of the county now enjoy, is due to his skill and talent. He also gave considerable attention to planting, and became well-to-do. Owing to his fidelity to these callings his own health became wrecked, and while in St. Louis, in 1871, trying to revive his failing energies his death occurred, he being sixty years of age at the time. His wife died in Phillips County when a comparatively young woman, her demise occurring in 1852. Our imme- diate subject has had charge of his present property since 1872, and in his political views is a Democrat.

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Author: Goodspeed Publishing Company Publication date: 1890 Publisher: Chicago, Ill. ; St. Louis [etc.] : The Goodspeed Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 836

Author: Goodspeed Publishing Company
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. ; St. Louis [etc.] : The Goodspeed Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 836