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 128

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 128

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a Democrat. In 1873 he returned to his old home in France, and visited Switzerland the same year, and in 1889 again went to Europe and traveled through England, France, Switzerland, Bavaria, Baden, also other provinces of Prussia, and then returned to the United States fully contented to make his home here for the remainder of his days. He has been quite an extensive traveler in the United States also, and in 1855 made a trip to the Rocky Mountains for a St. Louis Fur Company.

Aaron Meyers, wholesale and retail grocer, Helena, Ark. Among the most important indus- tries of any community are those that deal in the necessaries of life, and next to bread and meat, nothing is more necessary than groceries. Helena has a number of first-class establishments doing business in this line, and prominent among the number is that conducted by Mr. Meyers. This gentleman was born in Prussia, Germany, on Au- gust 25, 1841, and is the son of Isaac and Yetta Meyers, natives of the same province. There the parents grew up, married, and received their final summons. Aaron Meyers was reared and ed- ucated at Schwarza, graduated in 1856 and the same year sailed for America. He first located at St. Louis, was engaged in the grocery business at that place until 1868, and then came to Helena, Ark., where he filled the position of salesman for some time. He was city marshal and city tax col- lector, and for five years filled the position of mayor of the city to the satisfaction of all. In fact he has been connected with almost every pub- lic enterprise that has taken place since he came liere and has taken a deep interest in improving the city. He has been president of the Chamber of Commerce for two years, secretary of the school board for six years, president of the Helena Build- ing & Loan Association, treasurer of the Helena Opera House, Grand Chancellor of the K. of P. of the State of Arkansas, and holds several offices in different orders. He is a director in the Fair As- sociation and a stockholder in the opera house. He was married in 1879 to Miss Johanna Pots- damer and to them were born four children: Ellen R., Bettie M., Isaac M. and Gertrude R. Mr. Meyers was married the second time to Miss

Bianca Potsdamer, by whom he has one child, Joseph C. He and wife are church members.

P. T. R. Miller, farmer and stockman, Poplar Grove, Ark. Mr. Miller, another of the many sub- stantial citizens of foreign birth, now residing in Phillips County, owes his nativity to Scotland, where he was born in 1848. His father, George Miller, followed agricultural pursuits the principal part of his life, but in his younger days was en- gaged in merchandising in his native country, Scot- land, where he now resides with his wife, who was formerly Miss Elizabeth Robertson. They both enjoy good health in spite of their advanced years, he being eighty-four or eighty-five and she sev- enty-five years of age, and both are members of the Old School Presbyterian Church. Their family consisted of eight children, six of whom are now living and P. T. R. being the eldest. The next in order of birth, Elizabeth (is now the widow of David Walker, and lives in Scotland. Mr. Walker died in Helena, Phillips County), William A. (resides in New York City, and is entry clerk for Hilton, Hughes & Denning), James R. (came to America, but in 1881 returned to his native coun- try and is engaged in tilling the soil), Esther (re- sides in Scotland), Maggie (deceased), Georgiana (in Scotland), and Daniel (deceased, who was the youngest, and who was killed by a fall from his horse in Australia). P. T. R. Miller was reared and educated in Scotland, and when nineteen years of age crossed the ocean to America, where he fol- lowed agricultural pursuits in New York State. He was afterward with the Adams Express Com- pany as messenger until 1870, when he returned to Scotland. In 1871 he came back to America and located at Cleveland, Ohio, where he remained four years, part of the time being engaged in the cornice maker's trade, and afterward had charge of some horses. He left there in 1875 and came to Phillips County, Ark., where he has since tilled the soil. He is at present a member of the firm of Bailey & Miller, which was established in the spring of 1888. This firm has 250 acres under cultivation, the principal part of which is seeded down to grass for the summer herding of cattle. They have commodious barns with sufficient room

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to care for about 100 head of stock, and take it all in all, this is one of the leading stock farms in Eastern Arkansas. They have on hand a fine Hol- stein animal, preparatory to the breeding of fine cattle, and their intention is also to breed for market a fine grade of sheep. Mr. Miller has been twice married, first in 1877, to Miss Martha Galla- tin, who died in 1878, leaving one child, Martha E. Mr. Miller's second marriage was to Mrs. Mattie Banks (nee Hipps), a native of Alabama, and the fruits of this union have been four children: George R., Lizzie and Henry B. and Ed W. (twins). Mrs. Miller was the mother of three chil- dren by her former marriage: Georgia A. (wife of W. P. Vernor, of Phillips County), W. H. H. and James (both at home). Mr. Miller is a member of the A. O. U. W., Junior Lodge, Helena, Ark., and Mrs. Miller is a member of the Methodist Episco- pal Church, South.

John P. Moore is vice-president of the First National Bank, also of the Peoples Savings Bank, and is also a real estate and plantation supply dealer of Helena, Ark. His career is but another evidence of the possibilities young men have for advancement in the world when supported by strong resolution to rise. He was raised on a farm, though he acquired an education in the Western Military Institute of Kentucky, and in the Univer- sity of Mississippi, at Oxford. His opportunities he improved and became well posted on the cur- rent literature of the day, and laid the foundation for a successful career in later days. He first began business for himself as a merchant in Aberdeen, Miss., but in 1856 sold out his business there, and came to Helena, where he opened a mercantile es- tablishment, which he has since conducted, with the exception of the time during the Civil War, when he was obliged to suspend business. His mercantile business is now conducted under the firm name of John P. & F. Moore, Dr. Frierson Moore, his son, being the partner. He owns a vast amount of land in Arkansas and Mississippi, of which a large portion is under cultivation, and his real estate in the city of Helena is very valuable. He is a strong advocate of investments in real es- tate, and has been active in advancing the inter-

ests of the city and county. He was married near Aberdeen, Miss., in 1854, and is the father of four children, two sons and two daughters. His par- ents were Alabamians, and moved to Chickasaw County, Miss., at an early day, in which State they both died. Our subject was born in Alabama, and reared in the great State of Mississippi.

John T. Moore, the obliging and courteous postmaster of Red Store, was born in Chicot County, Ark., January 20, 1845, the son of Stephen P. and Margaret (Cassidy) Moore. Ste- phen P. Moore immigrated from South Carolina (where he was born in 1814) to Mississippi when only sixteen years of age, and was there married in 1840, by his union with Miss Cassidy becoming the father of seven children, two daughters and a son (John T.) now living. Mrs. Moore died in Phillips County, Ark., in 1885, at the age of seventy-one years. John T. Moore was reared in Mississippi from the age of four years, and re- ceived his education in the schools of that State. In 1875 he was married to Miss Eugenia Goodman, who was born in Mobile, Ala., in 1849, and died in Arkansas County, Ark., in 1882, leaving two children: Robert and Eugenia. Mr. Moore immi- grated to Arkansas from Mississippi in 1882. which has been his home ever since. He owns 1,260 acres of land, a greater portion of it being under a suc- cessful state of cultivation. The principal crop that he grows is cotton, averaging about 140 bales annually. Mr. Moore belongs to the Baptist Church, in which he is regarded as a faithful and prominent member. He can remember and loves to recite his early adventures of hunting, many times having killed over 100 bears in a season.

William M. Neal is a real-estate and insurance agent at Helena, and a record of his life will be of more than passing interest, for he is a man of rec- ognized worth and of a substantial and progressive spirit. He was born in Wilson County, Tenn., September 6, 1853, and is a son of William Z. and Josephine (Puckett) Neal, who were also natives of that State, the father being a man of superior edu- cation, and the founder of the Lebanon (Tenn.) Herald in 1852. This journal he continued to pub- lish until 1872, at which time he sold out, purchas-

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HISTORY OF ARKANSAS.

ing a farm and moving thereon, and there now lives. He was internal revenue collector under Gen. Grant, and was a Whig in his political views for many years. He and wife, who is now dead, became the parents of five children, three now liv- ing, of whom our subject is the eldest. His early scholastic advantages were received in the Cumber- land University at Lebanon, Tenn., and he there also learned the printer's trade, serving a four- years apprenticeship in his father's office, after which he wrote for and read proof on the Nashville Daily American for some time. He next went to Washington, Miss., and after working as a book- keeper for a number of years he, in March, 1876, came to Helena and worked in the same capacity for the bank here, continuing to be thus occupied four years, at which time he began giving his at- tention to merchandising. Four years later he embarked in his present calling, and in this branch of business has become one of the leading men of the county. He handles an immense amount of real estate and owns some very valuable property himself. He represents the Manhattan Life In- surance Company; being, too, a stockholder in and secretary of the Helena & Brick Manufacturing Company, and is also a stockholder and secretary of the Mutual Building & Loan Association, which he assisted in organizing, in June, 1887, with a cap- ital stock of $600,000. He is also secretary of the Helena Gas, Water & Power Company, which has a capital stock of $10,000. December 5, 1888, he was married to Miss Margaret Redford, who is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

M. Newman, wholesale and retail dealer in liquors, etc., Helena, Ark. A very reliable as well as popular store is that of Mr. Newman, who opened the saloon business in Helena in 1874, and has every requisite and convenience in his line of business. He was born in Hesse Castle, Germany, on October 31, 1837, and is the son of William and Esther (Freudenberg) Newman, natives of Germany, where they passed their entire lives. Mr. Newman was reared in Germany, received his education at Hesse Castle, and in 1856 he sailed for America, taking passage at Bremen, and land- ing at New York City after a fifty-six days' ocean

voyage. He remained in New Year for one year, and then traveled over nearly the entire continent, especially the Western and Southern States. In the fall of 1858 he located at Little Rock, and made his headquarters there until 1861. The fol- lowing year he located at Helena, Ark., and was occupied as clerk for two years. He then engaged in the mercantile business, carried this on until 1869, and then entered into the stock business for one season. In 1871 he embarked in the cigar business, and two years later in the dairy business, which he continued for one year. After this he opened a saloon, and has since conducted the sale of liquors, cigars, etc. Mr. Newman was only seventeen years of age when he came to America, and had nothing but the clothes he was wearing. He has been quite successful, and is one of the enterprising business men of Helena, doing an extensive business in his line. He was married in 1864 to Miss Bertha Platt, and the result of this union was five children: Eli (who is now twenty- three years of age), Theresa (twenty years of age), Albert (eighteen), Willie (fifteen) and Estella (ten years of age). Mr. Newman is a Royal Arch Mason, a Knight of Pythias, belongs to the A. O. U. W., and is a member of the Knights and Ladies of Honor, Beni Brith, and Kersher Shel Barzel. He is the agent for Anheuser-Busch Brewing Company, the largest company in the South.

Judge R. W. Nicholls is an attorney at law of Helena, Ark., and his name is identified with his professional standing, the welfare and material and social happiness of Phillips County. He was born in the Parish of Assumption, La., December 9, 1849, and on his father's side is descended from an old English family of note, and inherits French blood from his mother. The paternal grandfather, Thomas C. Nicholls, was judge of a district court in Louisiana, and upon his death was succeeded by his son, R. W. (the father of our subject), who held the office until his death, at the untimely age of thirty-five years, having discharged his duties in a manner highly satisfactory to all. He was a lieutenant in the Mexican War and was aid-de- camp for Gen. Taylor. An old trunk which he carried through this engagement is in possession

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of his son, Judge R. W. Nicholls, and has his name engraved upon it. He was a brother of the present Gov. Nicholls, of Louisiana, who is the only one of the seven sons living, and, in fact, is the only member of his father's family who survives. R. W. was married to Miss J. M. Phillips, and by her reared one son, Judge R. W. Nicholls. The youthful days of the latter were spent in his native State, a part of his time being spent on his father's plantation and the rest of the time in the city of New Orleans, where he acquired a good common- school education, which he subsequently improved by attendance at the State University at Alexan- dria, where he graduated in 1869. In 1870 he came to Helena, Ark., and began the study of law, and in December of the following year was ad- mitted to the bar. He at once entered upon a career of distinction and success, business coming to him unsolicited, and his strong, good sense, his knowledge of human nature, his calm conservatism and his genuine legal ability were soon perceived, and he gained the general confidence of the people, so much so that, in 1876, he was elected city attor- ney, and in 1879 was chosen mayor of Helena, and this position held by re-election until 1882. Since that time he has been county and probate judge, and selfish and personal considerations have been laid aside when the question of duty has been pre- sented. Every enterprise of a public nature finds in him a warm advocate, and his opinion is sought and his counsel heeded, in nearly every question of a public nature, as well as on private matters. He was married, in 1873, to Miss Janie McAlpine, a native of Mississippi, and by her he has a family of three children: Winifred, George and Robert W., Jr. The Judge belongs to the I. O. O. F., the Knights of Pythias, the Knights of Honor and the Royal Arcanum. He is a grand-nephew of the famous poet, Rodman Drake, the author of "Culprit Fay."

William B. O'Shields has long had the reputa- · tion of being one of the best farmers in the county, and as a merchant his name and fame is co-exten- sive with Phillips and the surrounding counties. Every step of his career has been marked by acts of liberality, and he has ever displayed a vital in-

terest in the higher development of his county, which is no doubt owing, in a measure, to his hav- ing been born here. His birth occurred on the farm where he now lives, October 5, 1851, and he is the youngest of ten children born to Isaac and Jarvey G. (Nixon) O'Shields, both of whom were born in South Carolina, the former's birth occur- ring about 1813, and the latter's in Phillips County, Ark., October 16, 1873. His wife died in 1863 at the age of fifty-one years. Their marriage took place in South Carolina, and in 1844 they came to Arkansas, locating in Phillips County, where he followed farming until his death, being quite suc- cessful in this calling. He inherited Irish blood from his parents, who were born in the Emerald Isle, and in his political views was first a Whig, but later became a Democrat. His wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and bore him the following family of children, the names of those who are living being here given: Jennie (widow of Thomas Carter, who died while serving in the Confederate army), Thomas N. (who is a farmer and blacksmith of this county), Richard L. (also a farmer of the county), Isaac (following the same occupation here) and William B. The following are the names of those who are de- ceased: Nancy (wife of William Jackson), Fanny (who died after reaching womanhood), Mollie (wife of William Jackson), John, and Elizabeth (the wife of Thomas Kibby). William B. O'Shields received the most of his education in Phillips County, and supplemented a common school course by an attendance at Phillips Academy, where he acquired an excellent education. On attaining his majority he began farming for himself, and in 1881 began merchandising also, and has since followed both these occupations, his labors be- ing attended with the best results. In his po- litical views Mr. O'Shields is a Democrat, and on that ticket was elected, in 1878, to the po- sition of constable, and, in 1882, to the office of justice of the peace. In 1885 he was married to Miss Mary Davidson, a daughter of John and Mar- garet Davidson. She was born in Helena, Ark., is a member of the M. E. Church, South. They have two children: Lottie B. and Maggie May.

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E. D. Pillow, sheriff, Helena, Ark, Mr. Pil- low, the popular sheriff of Phillips County, though born in Columbia, Tenn., on May 17, 1846, has been a resident of Phillips County, Ark., since 1866, and the confidence which the people have in him, is therefore intelligently placed, for in that time they have had every opportunity to judge of his character and qualifications. His parents, Jerome B. and Elvira (Dale) Pillow, were both na- tives of Middle Tennessee, and the grandparents were among the early settlers of that State. The paternal grandfather was in the War of 1812. The father of E. D. Pillow, Jerome Pillow, was a bro- ther of Gen. Gideon J. Pillow, who made a lasting reputation in the Mexican War. Jerome B. was a farmer, and some time in the 40's he came to Phillips County and invested largely in real estate, although he never resided in the county. He is still living in Tennessee, and is in his eightieth year. The mother died in 1889. They were the parents of seven children: Mrs. J. W. Q. Ridley, Mrs. Lena Long, Mrs. W. D. Bethel, Mrs. John M. Gray, Mrs. Minter Parker, Edward D. and Jerome B. Edward D. Pillow, the subject of this sketch, was reared in Tennessee, and received a limited education in that State. When in his six- teenth year, or in 1862, he enlisted in Company E, First Tennessee, and served until the surrender, being but nineteen years of age when the war closed. He was in many hard fought battles, and was a brave and daring soldier. In 1866 he came to Helena and engaged in farming, which pursuit he has since continued. He is the owner of about 3,000 acres of land, has about 1,600 acres under cultivation, and is deeply interested in the raising of cotton. In 1884 he was elected sheriff, re-elect- ed in 1886 and 1888, and is now serving his third term. He was married to Miss Emma Rice, a daughter of Dr. F. H. Rice, and to this union were born three children: William B., Edward Rice and Camille Polk.

Allen J. Polk owes his nativity to Mecklenburg County, N. C., where his birth occurred on March 5, 1824. He is the son of Dr. William J. and Mary (Long) Polk, and the grandson of Col. Will- iam J. Polk, of Revolutionary fame. Col. Polk

started out from Queens College when sixteen years of age, entered the army as lieutenant, and served in different capacities until the close of the war, when he held the rank of lieutenant-colonel. He is said to have been the first man wounded south of Lexington. He died at Raleigh, N. C. This Polk family is the same as that of James K. Polk, and our subject is a grandson of Gen. Thomas Polk, whose name is so intimately connected with the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, or Resolvency, of June 20, 1775. Dr. William J. Polk and wife were natives of North Carolina, born in Mecklenburg and Halifax Counties, respectively, the father on March 21, 1793, and the mother on March 10, 1797. Both died in Columbia, Tenn., the former in 1860, and the latter on September 20, 1885, at the age of eighty-nine years. They were married in North Carolina on June 1, 1818, and in 1836 moved from that State to Columbia, Tenn., where they passed the closing scenes of their lives. In 1848 Dr. Polk sent his son, Allen J. Polk, to Phillips County, Ark., to purchase land, and the latter is now living on land pur- chased in 1849. Dr. Polk was a graduate of Jef- ferson School of Medicine, but during his later years he was engaged exclusively in planting. In his political views he was a Whig, and took a deep interest in politics. He was president of the Bank of Tennessee, at Columbia, for many years, and was a man universally respected. He and wife were members of the Episcopal Church. Allen J. Polk received his education at the University of North Carolina, and in 1845 began the study of law at Columbia, Tenn., being admitted to the bar at that place in 1846. He practiced law for one year, and in 1849 commenced planting, which oc- cupation he has since followed, although he has met with many reverses. In 1859 Mr. Polk mar- ried Miss Fitzhugh, daughter of Clark Fitzhugh, and the fruits of this union were four living chil- dren: Mrs. Susan Keesee (of Helena), Mrs. Anna Pepper (of Memphis), Zelda and Robbin. Mrs. Polk is a member of the Catholic Church. She is a grand niece of Gen. George Rodgers Clark, who captured the Northwest Territory. Mr. Polk is a member of the Masonic order and a Democrat.

PHILLIPS COUNTY.

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Col. Cadwallader Polk, planter, Helena, Ark. The subject of this sketch needs no introduction to the people of Phillips County, for a long residence, and, above all, a career of usefulness and promi- nence, have given him an acquaintance which shall last for many years. He was born in Colum- bia, Tenn., October 16, 1838, and is the son of Dr. William J. and Mary Rebecca (Long) Polk. [For further particulars of parents see sketch of Allen J. Polk. ] Of the fourteen children born to his parents six are now living, and Col. Cadwal- lader Polk is sixth in order of birth, viz. : Allen, Lucius E. (was a planter at Columbia, Tenn.), Rufus (who resides at Little Rock), Mrs. Hous- ton (wife of Russell Houston, of Louisville, Ky.), and Mary P. Branch (resides at Nashville, Tenn.). Russell Houston is attorney for the Louisville & Nashville Railroad. Col. Cadwallader Polk re- ceived his education at the University of North Carolina, graduating with honor from the same in 1858, and soon after he turned his attention to planting, which occupation he has carried on since. During the late war he enlisted as second lieuten- ant of the First Tennessee Confederate Infantry, and served in different capacities until promoted to the rank of colonel of an Arkansas regiment after the battle of Shiloh. He was appointed aid- de-camp to Gen. Hindman, and was in service from that time until the close of the war. While major of Hawthorn's regiment, and at the battle of Prairie Grove, he was wounded in the right cheek by a musket-ball, which came out at the left side of the neck, and soon after he was made colonel, serving in that capacity until cessation of hostili- ties. He was in West Virginia with Gen. Stone- wall Jackson, was in the second day's fight of Shiloh, Prairie Grove, Helena and Little Rock. His regiment surrendered at Camden and Pine Bluff. He soon after turned his attention to plant- ing, and is now the owner of 1,400 acres in the home place, with 600 acres in cotton, corn and grass. He was married March 29, 1864, to Miss Carrie Lowry, of Milliken's Bend, La., and the re- sult of this union was six children, viz .: William J., Anna T., Walter R. (at Little Rock in the em- ploy of the Memphis & Little Rock Railroad in

the capacity of book-keeper), Cadwallader (at home), Nena (at home), and Edward M. Mr. and Mrs. Polk are members of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Polk is a Mason, a K. T., and in his political opinions affiliates with the Democratic party. He takes a great interest in politics, but has never desired to hold office. He is now very much oc- cupied in the rearing of stock, and has a flock of Southdowns, probably the finest in the State. He has some Almont's stock of horses, also other fine stock, and is one of the progressive and enter- prising farmers of the county.

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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