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 40

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 40

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WHITE COUNTY.

following are the members of his family: Joseph (was born in 1842 and died during the war while in the hospital in Little Rock), Adaline (who was born in 1844 and became the wife of Isaac Chris- man, a farmer residing on the Arkansas River in Lonoke County), J. G. (who was born in 1846, and wedded Mrs. Nancy Carter nee Myrick; he is a school-teacher and farmer near Pine Bluff), Bettie (born in 1848, became the wife of Edward Barnes, a farmer and stockman of Texas, and died in November, 1882), D. M. (was born in 1850, he being also a farmer and stock trader, and he was married to Miss Allie Allen), Susan (was born in 1852 and died at the age of twenty-two), Robert G. (was born in 1854, and by occupation is a drug- gist being now a resident of the town of Dayton, Ark.), W. C. (was born in 1856, and he is a prac- titioner of dentistry at Dripping Springs, Tex.), Mollie (was born in 1858, and is the wife of Dr. J. D. Harris, of Butlersville, Ark.), Dora and Cora (were born in 1860, and are both deceased, Cora dying in infancy and Dora at the age of twelve years). The next in order of birth is Lee Thomas (our subject) and Rena (who was born in 1865, and died in infancy). Lee Thomas Stewart remained on his father's farm until about fifteen years of age and received the greater portion of his early education in the schools of Searcy, being an attendant at the high school for two years. After returning to the neighborhood in which he was reared he taught a subscription school for three months and the three following years worked as a tiller of the soil. After coming to Beebe he clerked in the general mercantile establishment of D. C. Harris for about eighteen months and then devoted the entire year of 1883 to the study of telegraphy, after which he went to Hoxie, on the Iron Mount- ain Railroad, where he held the position of tele- graph operator for some time. In the winter of 1883 he returned to Beebe and resumed clerking in Dr. Harris' store, but the following year en- gaged in the same business with T. S. Neylon. This connection lasted for two years, then Mr. Stewart sold his interest and the next six months acted as book-keeper for J. M. Liles, after which he spent six months in the study of law. In Jan-

uary, 1888, he began clerking in the drug store of Dr. Ennis, but in the spring of 1889 was elected to the office of mayor of Beebe over his competitor, a popular gentleman, and is at the present time the incumbent of that office. He was elected by the Democrats to the position of alderman when only twenty-one years of age and served two terms. Mr. Stewart is progressive in his views, liberal in his opinions and labors and contributes willingly to the advancement of the county and State and is an ardent advocate of education. Though thor- oughly democratic in his views politically, he re- spects very highly the opinions of others who dif- fer with him in matters generally.

A. L. Stowell was born, reared and educated in Bureau County, Ill., the former event taking place August 8, 1841. Just after commencing his ap- prenticeship as a carpenter, the war broke out and Mr. Stowell, full of youthful enthusiasm, joined his destines with the cause of the Union, enlisting in Company B, First Battalion of Yeats' Sharp- shooters, and served in Mississippi, being present at the battles of Corinth and New Madrid (Mo.). He was stationed one year at Glendale, near Cor- inth, after which his regiment returned to Illinois and was reorganized, or rather veteranized, into the Sixty-fourth Illinois Infantry. While serving in this capacity he was with Sherman on his march to the sea, and was at the siege of Atlanta, where he was under fire for sixty days. He carried his knapsack to Washington, D. C., and was present at the grand review. He was as well acquainted with the face of Gen. Sherman as that of a broth- er, and when the latter came to part with his com- mand, on July 4, 1865, he made the division that Mr. Stowell was in a special speech and wept like a child, so warm a place had these veterans gained in his heart. The company was mustered out of service at Louisville, Ky., and was disbanded at Chicago, Ill., and for three years Mr. Stowell was president of the reunion of this command. He is now vice-commander of his post of G. A. R. After his return from the war he resumed the car- penter's trade, which had been so suddenly broken off, and continued this occupation at McComb, Ill., until 1883, at which time he settled in Beebe,

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HISTORY OF ARKANSAS.

Ark., and engaged in fruit growing, making straw- berries a specialty. In order to save his fruit he commenced making his strawberries into wine, some five years since, and in this enterprise has es- tablished a remunerative business. Mr. Stowell is a member of the I. O. O. F. and in his political views is a Republican. He was married March 19, 1867, to Miss Sarah B. Kissinger, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1843. The earliest facts known in the history of the Stowell family is that they were originally Normans, and removed to England with William the Conqueror, and were there knighted. Two brothers came from that country to the United States, one settling in California and the other in the eastern part of the United States, and all the Stowells in this country are their descendants. The parents of our biographical subject are Joshua and Amanda (Harrington) Stowell, the father be- ing born in the Green Mountains of Vermont. He was a harness-maker by trade, and after resid- ing for many years in Princeton, Ill., he removed to Chicago, where he is now living. The Har- ringtons were of German descent.

Henry Beverly Strange is a general merchant and farmer, of Beebe, Ark., and is well known throughout the county as a business man of honor and integrity. Like many other prominent men of the county he is a Tennesseean, his birth having occurred in Maury County, September 29, 1830, where he was also reared and educated. At the age of twenty years he started out in life for him- self as a book agent, and for two years sold " The Southern Family Physician" and other books, meeting with signal success in this undertaking. In 1859 he came to White County, Ark., and engaged in business at Old Stony Point until 1872, when the Iron Mountain Railway reached Beebe, and in order to get a station at this point Mr. Strange built a depot and gave it to the company. He then moved his goods here and has since done a prosperous general merchandise business, being particularly successful in house furnishing. He has the largest business of any firm in the town, and his residence property is the finest in the place. He also has a store at Ward which nets a good income. He was first married in 1859 to

Miss E. Ward, a native of North Carolina and a daughter of Whitman Ward, who was one of the prosperous farmers of Tennessee. Mrs. Strange died in 1870, leaving one child, Florence, wife of John Walker, five other children she bore having died in infancy. Mr. Strange married Sallie Apple in 1872, she having come from North Carolina to Arkansas at an early date, and their union resulted in the birth of three children, two of whom are liv- ing: Hubert (a youth of fourteen) and Vida (about sixteen years of age). Mrs. Strange is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and he belongs to Beebe Lodge No. 145, A. F. & A. M., and also to the K. of H. and the A. L. of H. He is vice-president of the American Building, Loan & Savings Association, and is one of the public-spir- ited men of Beebe and takes an interest in all movements designed for the public good. He is a son of Beverly and Susanna (Martin) Strange, who were Virginians, and removed from that State to Tennessee shortly after marriage, and there en- gaged in farming. At the time of their deaths both were worthy members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, South.

William H. Strayhorn is a worthy descendant of Gilbert Strayhorn, who was a native of North Carolina, and was engaged in farming all his life. He died about 1835, having been the father of six children: John D., William James, J. K., Mar- garet and Rebecca. John D., the eldest, was born in Tennessee, in 1800, and was also a farmer by occupation. He married in 1829, Mary A. Steven- son, a Tennesseean by birth, and a daughter of Henry and Ann (Robinson) Stevenson. John D. Strayhorn was familiarly called major on account of being, as a general thing, the commanding officer on celebration days. He was a member of the Old School Presbyterian Church. To himself and wife only one child, a son, William H., was born. William H. Strayhorn first made his appear- ance upon the scenes of this world in Tennessee, in 1833. He moved to Arkansas, in 1850, with his grandfather Stevenson, who settled in White Coun- ty; his father died and his mother marrying the second time, in 1840, W. R. Fortner. Mr. Stray- horn, in 1854, took for his wife Mary J. Burket,

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WHITE COUNTY.

daughter of William and Rachel (Hughs) Burket, natives of Tennessee, who moved to White County, Ark., in 1848. They have become the parents of eleven children (two of whom are deceased): Josiah, William H., John D., Samuel W., Alex- ander, Poney, Benjamin, Mary A., Rachel E., Elvira (deceased) and Elizabeth (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Strayhorn are members of the Cumber- land Presbyterian Church. The former settled on the farm upon which he now resides, July 14, 1856, having a place of 230 acres, 150 being under cultivation. He is a strong Democrat, and al- though not taking an active part in politics he has held the office of justice of the peace for two years, Mr. Strayhorn says he can raise any crop here that can be grown at all, and thinks Arkansas is the State of the Union.

Alfred B. Sutton's war experience is perhaps similar to that of many other soldiers, mentioned in this volume,'but they are all interesting, and give the present generation some idea of the hard- ships and perils endured by the gallant and brave boys, thousands of whom now fill an unknown grave. In 1861 Alfred Sutton entered the Con- federate service, and fought under Col. McCarver. His first serious engagement was at the battle of Corinth, Miss., from which he escaped serious in- jury. He was captured at Vicksburg, Miss., and taken to Indianapolis, where he remained for three months, then being removed to Port Dela- ware, and from there to Point Lookout on the Chesapeake Bay. In the latter place he was in- carcerated for nine months and nine days, receiv- ing his parole in December, 1864. He was in several engagements and skirmishes, but escaped serious wounds. After receiving his parole he re- turned to Camden to his command, and in 1865 was discharged, and at once returned to his home, resuming his former occupation of farming, which he has followed principally ever since. His father, Jesse Sutton, was born in Wilson County, Tenn., in 1817, where he received his education, there marrying Elizabeth Hight, of the same State. Their union was blessed with a family of nine children, of whom Alfred B. is the second, his birth occurring in 1840. He was a farmer by oc-

cupation, owning 500 acres of excellent land at the time of his removal from Tennessee to Arkansas, in 1848. He located in Cleburne County, and there resided until his death in 1887, his wife having preceded him a few years. Mr. Sutton and his estimable companion were devout members of the Christian Church, and he was a man who took a great interest in all enterprises, especially those of an educational nature. Alfred B. re- ceived a common-school education in the schools of Arkansas, and in February of 1867 was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Bailey, daughter of Henry and Frances Bailey. To their union have been born a family of three children: Henry, Jesse L. and Nora L. Mr. Sutton is a prosperous farmer, and owns 160 acres in White County, and 200 acres in Cleburne County; of this amount 100 acres are in a high state of cultivation. He is Past Master of the Masonic lodge, and has represented that order in the Grand Lodge two different times, be- sides having held various other offices. He has served as school director for twelve years, and is a man respected and esteemed by the entire com- munity.

Rev. J. M. Talkington, pastor of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church, South, at Searcy, took charge of the church at that place in December, .1888, but prior to that time, from 1885 to 1888, was presiding elder in the White River district, embracing about seven counties. He joined the White River Conference at Mount Zion in 1870, and was located in the Searcy circuit, consisting of several pastoral charges adjacent to Searcy and in White County. He remained on that work from 1871 to 1873, after which he received a call to West Point, and after remaining there some time, moved to the El Paso charge, where he was given the presiding eldership one year. He subse- quently left the Searcy circuit, went to Lebanon circuit, then returned to El Paso circuit, thence to Helena district, then to the pastoral charge in Beebe in 1884, where he remained two years. From there he went to the Searcy district, re- mained there until 1888, and in that year received a call to the pastorate of Searcy Church. Mr. Talkington is a native of Jackson County, Ala.,

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HISTORY OF ARKANSAS.

where his birth occurred in 1835, and was the oldest in a family of nine children, the result of the union of Andrew Jackson and Mary Ann (Isbell) Talkington, natives of Alabama. The father was a farmer by occupation, opened up a plantation and remained on the same until his death, which occurred in 1856. The mother's death occurred in 1889, at the advanced age of sev- enty-three years. The father was a soldier in the Florida War. Their children were named as fol- lows: J. M. (the subject of this sketch), Henry F. (married and resides in Union Township), Jane (died in Lonoke County, Ark., in 1887), Elizabeth (died in 1857, in Alabama), Margaret (wife of Joseph Pace, of Alabama), William T. (died in Alabama, in 1857), John (married, and is farming in Alabama), Vincent (died in 1855, in Alabama) and Mary S. (who died in Alabama, in 1855). Rev. J. M. Talkington was educated in the schools of Jackson County, Ala., and came to White County, Ark., at the age of nineteen, where he engaged as clerk for Isbell & Co., general merchants, and re- mained with them some time. In 1855 he engaged in teaching in Searcy, and followed this profession in White County for ten years. He was married in that county in 1856 to Miss Sarah A. Wright, a native of Independence County, Ark., and the fruits of this union have been eight children: Mary Ann (now Mrs. Arnold, in Gray Township), Julia (now Mrs. Sherrod, resides in Gray Township), Pearl Josephine, Virginia, James M., William Pierce, Cora Ann and John Wesley. While teach- ing school Mr. Talkington was also engaged in agricultural pursuits, and in 1867 was licensed to preach. From that date up to 1870 he did local work, and in 1877 he purchased a partly improved farm of 170 acres. This he has since improved. and has ninety acres under cultivation, with forty- five acres in fruit. He is deeply interested in horticulture, and now has one of the best fruit farms in the county, raising all variety of fruit that does well in this climate. Mr. Talkington was made a Mason in Searcy Lodge No. 49, A. F. & A. M .; is also a Mason of Tillman Chapter No. 19, R. A. M. In his pastoral work Mr. Talking- ton has organized many churches in the county,

and has organized some of the principal churches in this and adjoining counties. He has seen a vast change in the county since living here, and the greatest is from a moral standpoint.

Andrew B. Tate, a prominent citizen of Gray Township, is a native of South Carolina, and was born in Chester District, March 21, 1840, being the son of Samuel and Mary J. (Collins) Tate. Samuel Tate was also of South Carolina origin, as was his wife; they were married in Chester Dis- trict, and moved to Lincoln County, Tenn., in 1841, where the remainder of their lives were passed. They were members in good standing of the Presbyterian Church, and held in high regard by all who knew them. Andrew's grandfather came to America from the Emerald Isle, at the age of twenty-seven and located in Chester Dis- trict, S. C., where he was recognized as an influ- ential and enterprising citizen. Mrs. Tate's peo- ple came from England. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Tate the following children were given them: William V., Andrew B. (the subject of this memoir), Agnes J., Sarah M., Robert J., Caroline and Tirzah A .; Lavenia G. and James L. (de- ceased). Samuel Tate died at the age of forty- nine, and his wife in 1866, at the age of sixty- three. The early days of Andrew B. Tate were spent in Lincoln County, Tenn., but when quite young began for himself as a farmer, which has been his principal avocation ever since. His home was in Lincoln County until 1877, when he decided that there was a better opening in Arkansas, to which place he came, locating in White County, and has never had cause to regret the change. He was married on February 6, 1879, to Miss Emma N. Wortham, a daughter of Young Wortham, and to their union two children have been born: Anna B. (born April 18, 1880) and Hettie B. (born April 26, 1885). Mr. and Mrs. Tate, in their re- ligious sympathies, are with the Methodist Epis- copal Church, South. Mr. Tate, in his political views is an uncompromising Democrat, and served in the late war, enlisting in the Confederate serv- ice in April, 1862, in Col. Stanton's regiment of Tennessee Infantry. On account of disability he was honorably discharged after three months' act-

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ive service. In social fraternities he is identified with the Masonic order.

A. Byron Tapscott, M. D., although a young man, is one of the leading physicians of West Point, and has a large practice, enjoying a repu- tation of which many older in the professional ex- perience might well be proud. Dr. Tapscott is a native of Tennessee, and a son of Ira and Mary (Jones) Tapscott, natives of North Carolina and Tennessee, respectively. Ira Byron was also a physician, and a graduate of the Medical College of Richmond, Va. He was a surgeon in Forrest's cavalry, in the late war, and after that struggle practiced in Tennessee until 1872, when he removed to Arkansas, continued his professional duties at West Point. He was a strong Democrat, a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and also of the I. O. O. F., and died in January, 1887, at the age of fifty-one years. Mrs. Tapscott is still living in West Point, and is the mother of five chil- dren, all living: A. Byron (our subject), Charles V. (an attorney), Emma J., Mary G. and Samuel F. At the age of fifteen Byron Tapscott com- - menced the study of medicine under his father's instruction, and in 1887 and 1888 attended the Missouri Medical College, at St. Louis. After graduating. he returned to West Point and em- barked upon a career as a physician, also opening up a drug store, which he continued until October, 1889. Then he sold out, and has since devoted his whole attention to his rapidly increasing prac- tice. He is firmly Democratic in his preferences, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

Thomas P. Taylor is a prosperous agriculturist and fruit grower of White County, Ark., and was born in Carroll County, Tenn., being the only child of Hiram A. and E. A. (Moore) Taylor, the former a native of North Carolina, and one of a family of six children born to Peter Taylor and wife. In 1848 he moved to Tennessee, and was married there in 1852, his wife being a daughter of Wesley Moore. also of North Carolina. Hiram A. Taylor was a contractor by occupation, held the highest rank in the Masonic order, and he and his wife were mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died

in Tennessee. Thomas P. Taylor has always re- sided on a farm, but since seven years of age has resided in White County, Ark., making his home with his mother, who died in 1878, being the wife of A. V. Van Meter. He received fair educational advantages, and in 1882 he was married to Miss Mattie Sharp, a daughter of T. H. Sharp of this State, who died at an early day, his wife's death occurring in 1880. After his marriage Mr. Taylor settled one and a half miles from Judsonia, and has 140 acres of his 700-acre farm under cultivation. He was at one time quite extensively engaged in the stock business, but now only raises enough for his own use. He has seen the county develop in a remarkable manner since his early location here, and has done his share in aiding in this develop- ment. He is independent in his political views, and votes for the man rather than the party. Mrs. Taylor is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and by Mr. Taylor has become the mother of two children: Irma (who died at the age of three years) and a boy by the name of James.

W. J. H. Taylor is a prominent farmer and stock raiser in Coffey Township, and a son of New- ton W. and Ellen (Hickman) Taylor, natives of Alabama and Tennessee, respectively. Newton W. Taylor was born in Alabama in 1820, and was mar- ried in 1846, subsequently engaging in farming. In 1860 he moved to White County, Ark., and bought a quarter section of land, on which he re- sided until his death, in about 1879 or 1880. W. J. H. Taylor came upon the stage of action in Ten- nessee in 1848. He was married in 1870 to Miss Jennie Madith, of White County, and to them an interesting family of six children has been given: Maggie, Emmett, Albie, Wesley, Pearl and New- ton. Since his marriage Mr. Taylor has farmed several different places, but is now located in Cof- fey Township, whither he came in 1885. He has a farm of eighty acres, with about fifty acres under cultivation, and in connection with farming has operated a cotton-gin until recently. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor are members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, South. The former is a Democrat, and actively interested in schools, having long been school director of his district.

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HISTORY OF ARKANSAS.

Manuel Teer is a representative citizen and a large tax payer of White County, owning over 1,000 acres of land, his fine home farm of 200 acres being under excellent cultivation. He en- listed in the Confederate army in 1862, and served throughout the war, taking part in Price's raid through Missouri from beginning to end. He was born in North Carolina on December 29, 1826, and was a son of Ludwick and Mary (Sheppard) Teer. The former's birth occurred in South Carolina in 1790; he was married in 1820, and died in his native State in 1858, a family of four children hav- ing blessed the union of himself and wife: Hay- wood S., Manuel, Francis E. and Susan J. (the widow of the late W. W. Horn). Manuel Teer came to Arkansas in 1857, and settled in White County, where he bought a farm. He was married in 1846 to Miss Martha J. Craig, of North Caro- lina origin, and a daughter of Abraham and Jane (Steel) Craig, who came to Arkansas in 1857, pur- chasing an improved farm of 160 acres in White County. Mr. Teer lost his esteemed wife on August 15, 1880. She had been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, since thirteen years of age. Mr. Teer is connected with the Masonic order, and is a highly respected citizen, having always taken a great interest in the im- provement and prosperity of the county. He has been a liberal donator to all religious and charit- able institutions during his residence here, keeping thoroughly apace with the progress of the times. Mr. Teer has now retired from active life, and as he has been an industrious, energetic farmer all his life, can now rest in the consciousness of a career well and usefully spent.

Prof. W. H. Tharp, president of Searcy Col- lege, Searcy, Ark. A glance at the lives of many representative men whose names appear in this volume will reveal sketches of some honored, in- fluential citizens, but none more worthy or deserv- ing of mention than Prof. W. H. Tharp. This gentleman was born in Fayette County, Tenn., on November 21, 1853, and was the eldest in a family of eight children, three now living, who blessed the union of Dr. W. H. and Susan Payne (Whit- more) Tharp, natives, respectively, of North Caro-

lina and Tennessee. The father was a prominent physician and surgeon, was married in Fayette County, Tenn., and there died, in 1869. The mother died in 1874. She was cousin to Bishop Payne. Grandfather W. H. Tharp was one of the leading and deservedly popular men of Fayette County, Tenn., and was chairman of the county court for many years. He moved from North Car- olina when quite a young man. Though young, he was very prominent in his native county, and was a member of the General Assembly of the State. He was, repeatedly, strongly urged to be- come a candidate for a similar position in his adopted State, but always declined. Prof. W. H. Tharp graduated at Macon Masonic College, in 1871, and, the same year, was in school at Lexing- ton, Ky. In 1872 he entered the U. C. College, at Toronto, Can., and from this college was called in 1873, by the declining health of his mother, whose death. in 1874, made it necessary for him to take charge of the farm and look after his younger brothers, both minors. Here he remained till 1879. While residing on the farm he was, for three years, principal of the Union Hill Academy. In 1879 he was engaged as president of the Male College at Somerville, Tenn. At the end of his year's work he was elected president of Female College, at Somerville, Tenn., where he remained until 1883, and then came to Searcy, Ark. While occupied in teaching at Somerville, he had charge of a county paper called The Falcon, which be- came very popular throughout the county, but he sold his interest on coming to Searcy, in 1883. Prof. Tharp was married in Tennessee, in 1874, to Miss Lizzie Joe Cocke, a native of Fayette County, Tenn., and the daughter of Thomas R. and Laura (Winston).Cocke, also of Tennessee origin. Her father was a statute lawyer of fine ability, and was county judge for many years, never being defeated. His death occurred in 1886. The mother is still living and resides in Somerville, Tenn. Mrs. Tharp received her education in Somerville Female Insti- tute and Columbia Institute. She is a member of the Ladies' State Central Committee, editor of the children's column of the Arkansas Baptist, and is a smooth and clear writer. She has always been

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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