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 130

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 130

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William H. Stone is a prosperous insurance agent of Helena, Ark., and we may truthfully say that no other business calls for better judgment, keener foresight, greater caution or more honest dealing than does this. By it the penniless and dependent are protected as well as the rich, and it is one of the great interests of the age, ranking with banking, railroading, mining and mercantile pursuits. Mr. Stone is the able representative of ten different insurance companies in Helena, and

is accounted one of the successful business men of the county. He was born in St. Francis County, Ark., September 30, 1841, and is a son of William H. and Caroline S. (Heslep) Stone, the former a native of Tennessee, and the latter of Kentucky. After the father's death, which occurred in Ten- nessee, the mother came to Helena, Ark., in 1847, and here died on March 8, 1877, just thirty years to the day after her arrival. Of their family of five children all are deceased with the exception of William H. and his brother Joseph H. The former was but six years old when brought by his mother to the county, and here he grew to honor- able manhood, receiving his education in a private school. Early in the year 1861 he enlisted in the Yell Rifles and during a service of four years saw much hard service, and participated in some hard- fought battles. Upon his return to Helena at the close of the war he clerked for two years, but since that time has followed his present calling, at which he has done remarkably well, being now the owner of considerable valuable real estate in the town. He has been a Mason since 1867, and also belongs to the Royal Arcanum and the Knights of Honor. In 1867 he wedded Miss Sallie L. Miles, a native of Arkansas, and by her has two children: Ellice and Clinton.

W. B. Stout, agent for the Southern Express Company, and passenger agent for the Louisville, New Orleans & Texas Railroad, owes his nativity to Paducah, Ky., where his birth occurred on No- vember 25, 1848, and is the son of Hezekiah and Mary G. (Gholston) Stout, the father a native of Indiana, and the mother of Kentucky. The father was a prominent business and saw mill man in In- diana, Tennessee and Kentucky, and was city tax collector for a number of years in Paducah, Ky., before his death, which occurred in Paducah, in November, 1877. The boyhood days of W. B. Stout was passed in the common schools and later in college. At an early age he was employed in the Adams and Southern Express office at Paducah, and has followed this business for twenty-two years. In 1880 he was transferred to St. Louis, and remained there until coming to Helena, in 1886. He has occupied every position of trust while in the em-

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ploy of this company, and now occupies both posi- tions as express agent and passenger agent. He has much experience and thoroughly understands his business. He was married in 1880 to Miss Louisa M. Simon, of Paducah, Ky., who was born in Louisville, Ky., became a member of the Catho- lic Church in early life, both children being bap- tized in the same church. Their names are: Mamie Threasa (was born at Little Rock, Ark., January 14, 1882) and Archibald L. (was born in St. Louis, Mo., in March, 1885). Mr. Stout is a member of the K. of H., and is a stockholder in two building and loan associations, American Building & Loan Association and Tontine Savings Association; being secretary and treasurer of the same.

Maj. J. A. Tappan, hardware merchant, Hel- ena. Ark. In Fayette County, Tenn., in January, 1847, there was born to Capt. E. S. and Sarah E. (Williamson) Tappan, a son, J. A. Tappan. The parents were both natives of Tennessee, and the father was a merchant by vocation. He was a prominent politician of Tennessee, and was a mem- ber of the legislature several terms. He was a captain in the War of 1812. J. A. Tappan was reared to maturity in his native county, receiving his education there, and when only sixteen years of age, or, in 1863, he enlisted in Company A, Sixth Tennessee Regiment, and served until the surrender. He then learned civil engineering, fol- lowing the same for years, and engineered the St. Louis & St. Joe Railroad; also the Missouri, Kan- sas & Topeka Railroad. In 1870 he came to Hel- ena and built the Arkansas Midland Railroad, be- ing chief engineer of the same. He then took charge of and reconstructed the gas-works, which were $8,000 in debt, got them in good shape and turned them over with $2,500 cash. He represents W. H. Brown & Co., at Pittsburg, the largest coal dealers in the world. He engaged in the hard- ware business in January, 1889, and is doing a good business, carrying a large stock of goods. Their coal business is an extensive one, selling about 500,000 bushels annually. It is shipped both by river and railroad. He is a stockholder in the Fair Association. He was married in 1878 to Miss Maggie Lambert, and the fruits of this union

have been three children: Maggie, Mattie and Bessie. Mr. Tappan is a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge, and is one of the leading and prominent men of Helena. He has done a great deal in the way of improving the city.

Reuben Terry is a native of Kentucky, and a son of John and Jane (Gray) Terry, originally from Kentucky and Virginia, respectively. John Terry was born on April 3, 1801, and died in 1833 at Evansville, Ind., while on his way from New Orleans. He was married on June 20, 1819. Reuben Terry, his father, was of Irish descent and a native of Virginia. Reuben Terry, the principal of this sketch, was born in Bourbon County, Ky., on April 1, 1821, and at the age of sixteen com- menced learning the carpenter's trade, which he followed for twenty years. He was married in Indiana, in 1847, to Miss Nancy Ann Shaver, who was born in Ripley County, that State, in 1828. She died in January, 1885, having been the mother of nine children, two of whom are still living: John W. (residing in Poplar Grove) and Albert (who resides in this county) Mr. Terry's second mar- riage was on June 11, 1889, to Miss Fannie Jones, who was born in Tennessee, August 22, 1858. In 1872 Mr. Terry engaged in the mercantile business at Turner, this county, taking his eldest son, J. W., in partnership, the firm being known as J. W. Terry & Co. They carry a stock of $4,000, and do a busi- ness of $12,000 to $15,000 annually. He has been portmaster of this village since 1879. In 1846 he enlisted in the Mexican War, serving under Gen. Taylor, and was discharged at New Orleans in June, 1847. He is a member of the Masonic and I. O. O. F. fraternities, and he and wife are con- nected with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

G. F. Thomin, M. D., physician and surgeon, Marvell, Ark. A prominent physician and sur- geon, who by his own abilities has attained dis- tinction in his profession, is Dr. G. F. Thomin. This gentleman was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1848, and is the son of Conrad Frederick Thomin, a native of Germany, who came to America in 1824. The latter settled in Cincinnati, and em- barked in the milling business, which he still con-

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tinues, running a custom and merchant mill, al- though he is now seventy-seven years of age. He was married in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Miss Catherine Folenious, who is also living, and is now sixty- four years of age. Both are members of the Old School Presbyterian Church. Of their family of five children, four are now living: Louisa (de- ceased, wife of Joseph Cohn, the family now re- siding in Hamilton County, Ohio), Fredericka (wife of B. Buell, of the same place), Eliza (wife of Robert Wade, who is the grandnephew of Gen. B. Wade, of Ohio. He also resides in Hamilton County), G. F., and Charles F. (who resides in Ohio). G. F. Thomin was reared in Cincinnati, Ohio, and attended the free schools of that place until six years of age, when his father moved in the country, to Venice on the Great Miami River. There he attended school until sixteen years of age, when he entered Hanover College (Indiana), graduating from the same at the age of twenty years. He then entered the Ohio Medical School the same year, and at the age of twenty-one grad- uated from the same. In 1865 he enlisted in the United States army as one of the Ohio State Na- tional Guards, commanded by Col. Fisher, of Cin- cinnati, and spent most of his time while in the army on the eastern coast of Virginia. He was a drummer boy, and was discharged at Camp Deni- son, Ohio. The Doctor commenced practicing at Millville, Ohio, where he remained for three years, and then moved to Northeast Missouri in 1872. He practiced at Williamston, Lewis County, and remained there until December, 1884, when he located at Marvell, in Phillips County, his present home, and still has his large practice. Although he has spent a comparatively short time in this county, he enjoys a large and lucrative practice, and from all appearances the confidence in his abilities is not misplaced. The Doctor has been twice married, his first wife being Miss Nautilla Woodyard, daughter of Col. M. D. Woodyard, whom he married in 1870. Col. Woodyard com- manded the United States forces from Missouri, and was under Gen. Moore. To the Doctor and wife was born but one child, who died in infancy. Mrs. Thomin died in 1872 of consumption. In

1874 Dr. Thomin married Miss Mamie K. Sprinkle, daughter of W. J. Sprinkle, of Canton, Mo., who was quartermaster under Gen. . Moore. Doctor and Mrs. Thomin became the parents of three chil- dren: Ada, Frederica and Harry (deceased). The Doctor is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Marvell Lodge No. 369, of which he is Master, and he and wife are members of the Christian Church.

William Thompson, an extensive planter of Cy- press Township, is a native of Tennessee, and was born in Williamson County October 22, 1821. He moved to Kentucky in 1843, and in 1855 to Greene County, Mo., coming in 1866 to this county. The first year he rented a farm, and the following year purchased a tract of wild land. Mr. Thompson was married in Kentucky about 1847 to Miss Hen- rietta Roper, who was born in Kentucky in 1833. She is the mother of twelve children, ten of whom are still living: Joseph E. (married to L. F. Ren- fraw), William A., Sarah M. (widow of Robert Hen- derson), Lucretia (married to J. F. Jarrett), Anna (wife of F. Dawson), Henrietta B. (wife of William Mckinley), Charles F., Laura, Allie and Alice (twins). They are the grandparents of twenty-two children. Mr. Thompson owns 320 acres of land, with 140 acres under cultivation. Though upon locating in this county he had but $1 in his pocket, he is now in good circumstances, and owns a well- improved farm, stocked with cattle, mules and horses. Mr. Thompson, formerly a Whig, cast his first presidential vote for Henry Clay; he now votes the Democratic ticket. During the war he served as wagon master in the Confederate army for three years. He and wife and all but two of the children belong to the Baptist Church. Mr. Thompson is a model farmer, an old resident and a highly respected citizen.

Judge P. O. Thweatt, attorney at law. To un- dertake to introduce to our readers the subject of this sketch would be something entirely unneces- sary, for his extensive acquaintance and long con- nection with the affairs of this county have rend- ered him well and popularly known. Born near Franklin, Williamson County, Tenn., October 10, 1834, he is a son of Harwood D. and Elizabeth

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(Echols) Thweatt, who were of Welsh and English origin, and natives of the Old Dominion, their an- cestors having settled in that commonwealth prior to the American Revolution. Both the paternal and maternal grandfathers participated in that war, and two of the Judge's paternal uncles died while serving in the War of 1812, and his mother's only brother died the next year of disease contracted at Pensacola. Harwood and Elizabeth Thweatt moved from Virginia to Tennessee in 1811, and located near Franklin, but in the year 1845 moved to Mis- sissippi and settled in Yalobusha County, where both died on a farm. Two of their seven children are now living: Nichols and Judge P. O. The latter spent his youth and received his early edu- cation near what afterward became the battle-field of Franklin, he being an attendant of Harper's Academy, from which institution he graduated in 1856. From that time until 1859 he made his home in Mississippi, and at the latter date removed to Monroe County, Ark., where he spent some time in teaching school and studying law, being admitted to the bar at Clarendon, in March, 1860, and entered at once upon a successful career. His labors were interrupted, however, by the opening of the war, and in June, 1861, he went to Fort Smith and joined Churchill's regiment, but owing to his receiving a gunshot wound in the left leg, at the battle of Oak Hill, Mo., August 10, of that year, he was unfitted for active duty for the re- mainder of the war, but served as commissary. In 1862 he was elected county and probate judge of Monroe County, and served until the Federal troops took possession of the county, in 1863, when he went as a refugee to Texas and there remained until the war closed. In 1865 he re- turned to Clarendon, Ark., built him an office and resumed his law practice. In 1866 he was elected prosecuting attorney of the First Judicial District, which extended from the Missouri line to the mouth of White River, and served until the reconstruction period, when he was removed from office. Having located at Helena, he practiced alone until April, 1870, then formed a co-partnership with Judge T. B. Hanley, continuing until 1873, when he became associated with Hon. G. Quarles, which partner-

ship lasted for about ten years. His professional career was one of gratifying success, and he has built up a reputation for ability that is not merely local, but extends over a wide range. He owns two good farms, each containing several hundred acres, and his farm on Old Town Ridge comprises 800 acres, of which 400 are in cultivation; and the one on Old Town Island comprises 320 acres, of which 220 are in a high state of cultivation, and on which is erected a fine steam cotton-gin. All this has been earned through practicing his pro- fession. He was associated for some time with his brother, W. H. Thweatt, at Clarendon, but like himself the latter enlisted in the Confederate army, was wounded at the battle of Shiloh, in 1862, and died in 1864. The Judge is a Royal Arch Mason, has passed all the chairs in the Odd Fellows lodge, and is also a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Royal Arcanum and the Legion of Honor. His marriage, which occurred on February |23, 1870, was to Mary, the only daughter of Judge J. S. Hornor, and by her he is the father of three children: Bessie, Oscar and Re, who are living, and two dead. The Judge has now in his posses- sion a Virginia land grant, dated 1735, to a tract of land in Prince George County, Va., signed by George II., and granting a large tract of land to his ancestors on the father's side.

Joseph Woodson Thompson, farmer, Marvell, Ark. A life-long experience in the channels of agricultural pursuits has contributed not a little toward the success which has fallen to the lot of Mr. Thompson, who is acknowledged by all to be one of the enterprising and substantial citizens of the county. He is the owner of 370 acres of ex- cellent land, and has 140 acres under cultivation, with a good orchard, fine buildings, etc. He was originally from Williamson County, Tenn., where his birth occurred on March 3, 1826, and is the son of Joseph Lee Thompson, and grandson of William and Rachel Thompson. The grandparents moved from North Carolina to Williamson County, Tenn., when Joseph was six years of age, and there he grew to manhood. William Thompson was of Scotch descent, and he was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Joseph Thompson was mar-

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ried in Williamson County, Tenn., to Miss Sarah Adams, a native of Blount County, Tenn., born in 1800; she died in 1877, in Phillips County, Ark. He moved from Tennessee to Greene County, Mo., in 1856, and from there to Phillips County, Ark., in 1862. There he died July 3, 1874. They were the parents of eight children, five now living: William (in this county), Joseph W., John L. (re- sides in Greene County, Mo.), Mary (widow of Mr. Carter, and now resides in Fulton County, Ky.) and Samuel H. (in Monroe County, Ark.). Joseph Woodson Thompson was the third in order of birth of the children born to his parents. He at- tained his growth and received his education in Williamson County, Tenn., and in 1854 he went to Greene County, Mo., where he resided eight years, engaged in farming. He then enlisted in the Confederate army, in May, 1861, in Company A of the State service, and in 1862 entered the regular army in Company B, Hawthorn's regi- ment of infantry. About February, 1863, he was discharged on account of disability. He was in the fights of Pea Ridge and Oak Hill. After his dis- charge he came to this county, and here he has resided ever since. He was married here on March 27, 1882, to Mrs. Helen Pasley, a native of Phil- lips County, Ark., and the fruits of this union has been one child, Woodson Lee. Mrs. Thompson was born in 1852 as the daughter of William and Laura Thompson, both of whom died when their daughter was about two years old. They were married in this county, and after their death Helen was reared among strangers. She was married about 1875, to Harvey J. Pasley, who died in 1877, leaving one child, Harvey C., who now resides with Mr. and Mrs. Thompson. Mr. Thompson is Democratic in his political views, and his first presidential vote was cast for Z. Taylor. At one time he was a Whig. Mr. Thompson is a mem- ber of the Masonic order, Marvell Lodge No. 369, Royal Arch Chapter at Clarendon, Monroe County, Ark., and is also a member of the K. of H.

Mrs. Emma Ann Turner is the widow of Na- than S. Turner, who was born in Caswell County. N. C., December 28, 1825, as a son of Edmund and Mary (Slade) Turner, also natives of Caswell

County. The paternal grandfather, Edmund Tur- ner, originally from Maryland, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and was one of the early set- tlers of North Carolina. He was of English de- scent. Edmund Turner, Jr., removed from North Carolina in 1844, going first to Tennessee, then to Missouri, where he remained ten years, then to Mississippi, and in 1857 came to Phillips County, Ark., where he died the following year, his wife dying the same month. They were the parents of five children, two of whom only are living. Na- than S. Turner and the subject of this sketch were married in Mississippi January 7, 1852. He came to this county in 1856, and embarked in farming, and was one of the influential men of the county. He was a member of the Masonic order, in which he had taken the Royal Arch degree, and was a prominent Democrat. He died on February 28, 1874, Mrs. Emma Turner was born in Currituck County, N. C., on September 30, 1838, her parents being Daniel B. and Nancy (Gray) Lindsey, also of that county. They were married in their native State, and resided in Currituck County until 1840, when they moved to Hardeman County, Tenn., remaining five years. After removing to Missis- sippi, in 1856, they came to Arkansas, and located in this county. Mr. Lindsey afterward went to St. Francis County, where he died in 1868, at the age of sixty years. His wife was born in 1816, and died in December, 1858, in Monroe County, Ark. They were the parents of nine children, four of whom are still living-one son in Texas, one son in Mississippi, a daughter in Faulkner County, Ark., and the principal of this sketch. Mrs. Turner owns 285 acres of land, near the village of Poplar Grove, of which 200 acres are under cultivation. She also owns twenty-two town lots. She is now engaged in keeping a boarding house, which is largely patronized. She is the mother of two children, William T. and John B.

Nathaniel Berry Turner, a large planter of Cy- press Township, is a native of South Carolina, and is the owner of 1,320 acres of land, with over 400 acres under cultivation. Besides being the owner of a steam cotton-gin, which he erected in 1873. lie is quite an extensive stock-raiser, and the larg-

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est hay producer in his township. His principal crop is corn and cotton, of the last of which he raises from 100 to 160 bales annually. He was born in South Carolina, March 7, 1834, and is a son of John and Nancy (Cooper) Turner. John Turner, a native of South Carolina, died in that State in 1855. His father, Joseph Turner, was a Virginian by birth. The mother of our subject, originally from South Carolina, died in May, 1871. She bore a family of eleven children, five boys and six girls, three of whom are living in South Caro- lina, one in Alabama, and three in this county. The rest are now deceased. The subject of this sketch remained in his native State until 1859, when he came to Arkansas, and located in Phillips County. Here he was married, in 1868, to Miss Ellen McDowell, who was born in Mississippi, in 1847. They are the parents of eleven children, eight of whom survive: John L., Laura A., Na- thaniel G., Ellis, James C., Nellie, Blanche and Liza Josie. Mr. Turner enlisted in June, 1862, in Company C, of Johnson's regiment, in which he served until the close of the war. He is a strong Democrat, and one of the influential men of his township. He has served as school director for six years, is a member of the County Wheel, and is a self-made man. When he came to this county he was employed as overseer of a gang of negroes, and had no property. Now he is one of the largest land owners in the county.

Capt. B. Y. Turner, farmer, Poplar Grove, Ark. Mr. Turner is recognized as a careful, ener- getic agriculturist of this community, and by his advanced ideas and progressive habits has done no little for the farming elements hereabouts. Orig- inally from Tennessee, he was born in 1838, and is the youngest of five children, the fruits of the union of Edmond and Mary (Slade) Turner, na- tives, respectively, of Maryland and North Caro- lina. Edmond Turner moved to Tennessee about 1837, but after a residence there of one year moved to Greene County, Mo., and settled near Spring- field in 1839. Springfield was at that time a very small place, the principal merchant being Daniel P. Berry, and only two or three business houses were there at that time. The section of country

between that place and the Arkansas line was very sparsely settled, and Mr. Turner was among the pioneers of that county. He remained there six- teen years, and in 1855 came to this county, settling where his son, Capt. B. Y. Turner, now lives, and on a portion of this land the city of Poplar Grove was laid out in 1878. When Mr. Turner first purchased this farm there were but thirty acres cleared, and at the time of his death he liad im- proved only forty or forty-five acres. He died in 1858. Of the five children born to his marriage only two are now living: W. C. (who resides in California and is extensively engaged in farming and stock raising) and B. Y. Turner. The mother of these children died in 1858, within a few days of her husband. Both were members of the Method- ist Episcopal Church, South. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity. B. Y. Turner was reared and educated principally in Marshall County, Miss., whither his father had moved in 1851. He attended graded school at Oxford, Miss., for two years, and afterward came with his father to this State, where he studied medicine under Dr. R. G. Dunn, and attended his first lectures at Louisville Medical College in 1855. He never practiced to any great extent, but spent the time between 1856 and 1861 engaged in farming. In the last mentioned year he joined a company known as the South Western Guards, as a private, and was elected lieutenant, and upon its organization was promoted to the rank of captain. After his company was joined to the Second Arkansas Infantry, Capt. Turner was engaged in the following battles: Green River, Shiloh, Corinth (1st) and Iuka. After the last named battle he was transferred to the west side of the Mississippi River and served in Dobbins' brigade, under Gen. Price. He was in the battles of Helena and Big Creek, and at the last place was wounded by a minie-ball in the left leg, which disabled him for some time. He was with Gen. Price through Missouri, and partici- pated in most of the battles fought during that time. He surrendered and was paroled at Helena in July, 1865. Capt. Turner then returned home and found himself a poor man, his property con- sisting of two six-shooters and a black horse. He

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was not discouraged, however, and went to work at tilling the soil. He is now the owner of 400 acres of land, with 250 acres under cultivation, and is also the owner of a large cotton-gin and grist-mill combined. He gins annually 500 bales of cotton, and produces from his farm seventy bales annually. In 1867 he was elected sheriff (this was the first election held after the war), but was disqualified by the new constitution of 1868. Ten years later he was elected to the same office and filled this office in a highly creditable manner until 1884. Mr. Turner has been three times married; first, in 1859, to Miss Fannie Swan, who died the same year. In 1869 he married Miss Virginia A. Cowley, daughter of Edward A. Cow- ley, who was one of the early county and circuit clerks of Phillips County, and one of the old pio- neers of Helena. To Mr. and Mrs. Turner were born two children: Edward B. (died at the age of nine years) and Virginia (who died at the age of six years). Mrs. Turner died in 1875. She was a member of the Old School Presbyterian Church. In 1879 Mr. Turner was united in marriage to Miss Ella R. Renfro, of Phillips County, and daughter of W. H. and A. A. Renfro, natives of Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. Turner became the parents of two children: Renfro H. and Bartlett Y., Jr. Mr. Turner is a member of the Old School Presbyterian Church, and is a member of Poplar Grove Lodge of the K. of H. He is a Democrat in his political views, and is a prominent citizen. 'Mr. Turner is a member of the American Legion of Honor, Hendrix Lodge No. 737.

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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