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 46

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 46

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John B. Beard, a prosperous and well-known farmer and ginner of Howell Station, is a native of Arkansas and was born in 1851, being the son of Samuel and Eliza (Beauy) Beard. Samuel Beard came to Arkansas from Mississippi, at an early day,

and settled in Woodruff County. He was an indus- trious, enterprising farmer and citizen, and his death, which occurred in 1857, was mourned by many. His excellent wife survived him about fifteen years. Of a family of seven children, John B. and one other are the only surviving members, he being the younger. He was reared by his widowed mother, and as the school facilities of his boyhood were few, his education was of necessity neglected, but by constant reading and his keen sense of observation he has become a well-in- formed man. In 1881 Mr. Beard was married to Mollie, daughter of Thomas and Esther Berry. Mrs. Beard is a native of Arkansas, her birth occurring in Woodruff County, where her aged father is now residing, her mother having died some years ago. Mr. Berry was one of the early settlers of this portion of the country, and relates many interesting episodes of the first experience of the pioneers, what they were-obliged to submit to, their privations and inconveniences without number; these now seem almost improbable. To Mr. and Mrs Beard a family of four children have been born, three sons and one daughter. He has 600 acres of land with 300 under cultivation, and in connection with the substantial buildings of his farm he owns a fine town residence. His farm is only three miles from town, which of course makes it very much more valuable. He certainly is justi- fied in feeling proud of his possessions, for they are his only by personal efforts and hard work. He is a Democrat and voted for Greeley in 1872. . He is a liberal contributor, and lends his support to all worthy movements for the good or growth of the county. Mrs. Beard is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

John W. Becton, planter and ginner of Cotton Plant, owes his nativity to North Carolina, his birth occurring in that State in 1834, and he is the son of Thomas and Nancy M. (White) Becton, also of North Carolina origin, born in the year 1814. Mr. Becton was a prosperous planter, and at the time of the war was worth $100,000, but, like many others, lost all he had during that disastrous period. He was a well-educated gentleman, a Uni- versalist in his religious belief, and a great Bible

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reader, oftentimes being able to speak fluently on subjects at a better advantage than those who professed a clearer knowledge of the same. His death, which occurred in 1867, was regretted by his many friends and acquaintances. His father, John B. Becton, a wealthy planter, was born and died in North Carolina, the date of his birth being in the year 1777. His father was one Michael Bec- ton. Mrs. Becton, the wife of Thomas Becton, died in 1869. Her father, Reuben White, was a native of North Carolina, and a man of unusual attainments and business qualifications. John W. Becton, the subject of this sketch, is the eldest of four sons and daughters: Corie (now the wife of ex-Gov. James Robinson, now of Kentucky, and one of the war Governors of that State), Mary E. (the wife of Rev. B. F. Mills. Mr. Mills was an ex-Federal officer in the Civil War, married during that time, and is now residing in Michigan), Sarah A. (Mrs. West, of Durham, N. C.), Olie (Mrs. Kornezy, of Kingston, N. C.), Edward G. (holding a prominent position as teacher in Texas), Fred B. (a merchant of Kingston, N. C.) and William R. (died in 1878). John W. Becton was given the ad- vantages of a good common-school education, and these facilities he was not slow to improve, being to-day a well-educated man. He was married in 1859 to Miss Sallie, daughter of James and Pearcy Nunn, of North Carolina, where Mr. Nunn died in 1861. Mrs. Nunn survives her husband, and though at quite an advanced age enjoys ordinary . health. Mrs. Becton was born in North Carolina, and died May 5, 1886, having borne twelve chil- dren, all of them deceased. She was a member, in excellent standing, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and respected by her many friends and acquaintances. On December 15, 1886, Mr. Bec- ton was united in marriage to Miss Alice Foy, daughter of James H. and Catherine Foy, who resided in North Carolina the greater portion of their lives. Mr. and Mrs. Becton are the parents of two children, only one now living. In January of 1860 Mr. Becton moved to Prairie County, Ark., and after a residence of seven years came to Woodruff, having lived on his present farm for seventeen years. His plantation is among the

best in the county, consisting of 720 acres, with 225 under cultivation. Among the improvements, which are numerous, he owns and operates a good gin. One of the finest fruit and grain farms in the State is the property of Mr. Becton, situated in Boone County. He also raises and deals in stock quite extensively, being considered a supe- rior judge of all breeds. He served in the late war, enlisting in Company G, Twenty-first Ar- kansas Infantry, and remained in Tennessee until the fall of Vicksburg. There he was captured, but soon after paroled, returning at once to Arkansas. He accompanied Gen. Price on his raid through Missouri and Kansas, and surrendered at Devall's Bluff. At the close of hostilities Mr. Becton found himself almost destitute, with a wife and three children dependent on him, but, nothing daunted, he never lost courage, and by his untir- ing energy and great ambition stands to-day one of the wealthy and influential men of the county. He served as justice of the peace two years in Woodruff County, and since the war has been a stanch Republican, though formerly a Whig. His first vote was cast for President Fillmore. Mr. and Mrs. Becton are held in high esteem by their many friends. The latter is a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church.

Eli Burkett, an enterprising planter, black- smith and wood workman, first saw the light of day in Upson County, Ga., January 28, 1828, being the son of John and Celia (Ethridge) Bur- kett. John Burkett was born September 10, 1805, in Marlborough District, S. C., and was reared to farm life, which occupation he followed the re- mainder of his years. He was married to Miss Ethridge, in Wilkinson County, Ga., August 4, 1826, and by her became the father of eight chil- dren, four of them now living: Enoch V., William L., Mary (the wife of J. A. Baley) and Eli. Mr. Burkett was a member of the Baptist Church, as was also his wife; his death occurred December 29, 1869. Mrs. Burkett was born in Cumberland County, N. C., August 5, 1803, and died in 1885. Her parents were natives of North Carolina. El Burkett's early life was passed on the farm help- ing his father, and attending school a few months

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in the year. He was married to Miss Rosanah Gilbert, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jabez Gilbert, of Butts County, Ga. Their marriage was solemnized June 4, 1850, and to them were born seven children: John, Jabez, Margaret (the wife of J. B. McMurtrie), Drewry, Thomas, Davis and Lee. Mr. Burkett immigrated from Georgia to Arkansas, in 1869, locating in Woodruff County, where he bought 140 acres of land, with sixty un- der cultivation. In connection with his farming, Mr. Burkett owns and operates a blacksmith and wood shop, which he established in 1873. He manufactures wagons, buggies and farming imple- ments; he has built up a good trade, of which he is well deserving, being an industrious, hard- working man, and respected by all. In societies he is identified with A. F. & A. M., Colony Lodge No. 190, and of the I. O. O. F., De View Lodge No. 71. At the breaking out of the late war, Mr. Burkett enlisted in January, 1862, in the Thirty- second Georgia Infantry, Company I, where he served as a private, until November, 1864, when he was promoted to second lieutenant, and com- manded his company on that memorable day, March 19, 1865, at Bentonville, N. C., in which eight of his company was killed and thirteen wounded, he receiving a wound in this battle, which disabled him until April 16, when he was discharged at the hospital at Thomasville, N. C. Mrs. Burkett is a native of Butts County, Ga., this county being the place of her birth, which oc- curred April 15, 1825. Her parents were residing in Georgia at the time of her demise, Mr. Gilbert dying February 4, 1864, his wife surviving him until April 29, 1888.

J. W. Buster & Bro. Throughout Woodruff County and vicinity there is probably no more favor- ably known business firm than that of Buster Bros., which has been established since 1877. They are careful and painstaking buyers, and are thrifty mer- chants, strictly attending to business, thereby gain- ing a large share of the county's patronage. They established the postoffice at Riverside, and kept it in charge for two years. Conjointly the members of the firm own 500 acres of land, with about 270 under cultivation. Their parents, Samuel and Emily K.

(Lewis) Buster, were of Virginia and Alabama, re- spectively, and were married in Germantown, Shel- by County, Tenn. In 1850 they came to Arkan- sas, and located in Woodruff County, where the father purchased a farm, cultivating and living on it until his death, which occurred in 1852, that of his wife occurring in 1880. To the father and mother was born a family of eight children, three now living: John W., Lucy and Thomas M. The latter was born in Shelby County, Tenn., January 4, 1844, but was principally reared in the home of his parents' adoption (Woodruff County), and from his earliest youth has given much of his attention and time to farming, and in connection with his

duties at the store assists his brother in the man- agement of their extensive plantation. Thomas M. was married, in 1872, to Miss Rebecca Bellington, who departed this life in 1879, leaving two chil- dren: Fannie and Rebecca. He and his brother are Masons, having been initiated into the secrets and sworn allegiance to this society; they also be- long to the K. of H. J. W. Buster came into this world in 1834, and like his brother, spent most of his boyhood and received his education in the State of Tennessee. During the war he enrolled him- self with the Fifth Arkansas Regiment, was wound- ed by a gunshot at Mark's Mills, and was captured at Decatur, Ala., but managed to make his escape. He served until the surrender, which sounded the bugle-note of peace, then returned home. He is unmarried.

N. D. Byrd, a prominent merchant of De View Township, who, by his pleasing and affable manner and keen sense of honor, has won many friends, is the son of Bryan and Sallie (Ross) Byrd, of Henry County, Tenn., nativity, being born in 1826. Bryan Byrd, N. D.'s father, was born in Chester County, S. C., and reared to farm life; was a carpenter by trade, and eventually became a minister of the Baptist Church. He immigrated from Tennessee to Arkansas in 1855, locating in Yell County. His marriage with Miss Ross was solemnized in North Carolina and by her became the father of twelve children; only one of that large family is now liv- ing, N. D., the subject of this sketch. The senior Byrd was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and

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died in Yell County in 1856, his wife surviving him until 1864. He and his wife were connected with the Baptist Church. N. D. Byrd started out in the world for himself in 1847, his first venture was farming on rented land in Tennessee in which he was quite successful. On December 30, 1847, he was united in holy matrimony with Miss Frances J. True, and to them were born six children. four boys and two girls, three of them now living: Jo- sephine (the wife of L. B. Smith), Leonidas and Thomas C. Mrs. Byrd died in 1855 in full faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Byrd re- mained a widower until 1865, then married Miss Alice Crook, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Crook, of Marshall County, Miss. Mr. Byrd came to Arkansas from Tennessee in 1870, locating in Van Buren, Crawford County, residing here one year, then came to this place where he engaged in farming until 1886. Since 1886 he has been occupied in the mercantile business and has established a most lucrative trade. He served in the late war, enlist- ing in the cavalry in 1863, and received his dis- charge after one year of brave and chivalrous serv- ice. Mr. and Mrs. Byrd are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and are highly esteemed by all who are fortunate in knowing them.

James H. Campbell, merchant, Augusta, Ark. This successful and enterprising business man owes his nativity to Mecklenburg County, Ky., where his birth occurred in November, 1843, and is one of six children, three now living: William P., James H. and Mrs. R. D. Hopkins, born to the union of Alexander and Sallie W. (Kenchelve) Campbell, the father a native of Ireland, and the mother of Kentucky. The father died in the last- named State, but the mother died in Woodruff County, Ark. James H. Campbell attained his growth and received his education in Kentucky. In 1861 he came to Augusta, and the same year he enlisted in Company A, First Kentucky Cavalry, and served until the surrender. He was wounded through the right shoulder-blade by a gunshot at a railroad fight under Gen. Forrest, and was in the principal engagements of his regiment. At the close of service he returned to Kentucky, and there remained until 1870, when he came back to

Augusta, where he has since resided. The firm of W. P. Campbell & Bros. was organized in 1872, and still continues. They carry a large stock of goods and general merchandise, and handle a great deal of cotton each season. They are also inter- ested in considerable real estate. Mr. Campbell is secretary and treasurer of the White River Hedge Company, which has sold over 100 miles this sea- son. He was married, in 1872, to Miss Eliza Hop- kins, of Kentucky, and a daughter of Dr. H. H. Hopkins. To this union were born two children: Tilman and Alex. H. Mr. Campbell is a member of the Knights of Honor, and has been recorder of same since the organization, in 1878. He has been mayor for several years.

R. Cariker. In numerating the names of the prominent planters of Woodruff County, the name of R. Cariker should not be omitted. He is a na- tive of Tennessee and was born in Hardeman County in 1853, as the son of G. M. and Elizabeth (Gray) Cariker. G. M. Cariker owes his nativity to Mid- dle Tennessee, having been born in that State in 1829. He immigrated to Arkansas in 1859, locat- ing in Woodruff County, where he purchased 440 acres of land, and was married to Miss Grey, of Tennessee, in 1852. To this union a family of six children have been given: Thomas J., Lycurgus, Levina (the wife of E. H. Arnold), Fuller (de- ceased), Cynthia E. (now Mrs. B. F. Doughty) and R. Cariker (the subject of this sketch). Him- self and wife were members of good standing in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and enjoyed a large circle of friends and acquaintances. He died in this State, in 1878, his wife having "gone before" in the year 1857. R. Cariker was mar- ried in 1875 to Miss Tululae Sears, a native of Georgia, and born in 1858, and whose parents were also natives of Georgia. R. Cariker is a farmer by occupation, and is an A. F. & A. M., belonging to Augusta Lodge. He owns 170 acres of excellent land, with about ninety under cultiva- tion, the principal crop being corn and cotton. Mr. Cariker is a prosperous agriculturist, favors all public improvements, such as churches, schools, etc., and is a man held in high esteem by the entire community.

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A. C. Carter, a leading and long-established merchant of Cotton Plant, and who is known the county over, having settled himself in business in that town in 1871, is a native of Rowan County, N. C., and was born in 1840, the son of Thomas and Eliza L. (Johnson) Carter, of North and South Carolina origin, respectively. Thomas Carter was of Scotch-Irish descent, a well-to-do farmer, and was married in North Carolina, where he died when A. C. was about twelve years old. His wife is living at the age of seventy-six, a devout member of the Presbyterian Church. She was twice married, her second husband dying during the war. A. C. Carter is the third in a family of four sons and two daughters, and received all the education to be had at that period. He left the parental roof at the age of sixteen, and worked as a farm hand until 1861, when he enlisted in the war and joined Company K, Fourth North Caro- lina Infantry in Lee's army, participating in nearly all the battles of that army. He was wounded in June, 1862, at Cold Harbor, and was sent home on furlough for some time. In April, 1864, he surrendered with Lee, and shortly after returned to his home, Rowan County, N. C., and engaged in farming till the spring of 1870, when he came to Arkansas and farmed till the fall of 1872; after which he embarked in the mercantile business with one Robert Holt, their capital con- sisting of only a few hundred dollars. Notwith- standing that the financial start was very modest, he stands to-day among the best-known firms of the town. Mr. Carter has a fine farm of 212 acres in Monroe County, with 170 under cultivation, and on which farm is a good residence. A fine block in the town erected by him is another mark of his ambition and enterprise, all the work of perseverance and economy. He was married in 1872 to Miss Emma Gideon, of Mississippi na- tivity, who came to Arkansas with her parents when small, and left an orphan when quite young. Two children have been born to this union, one son and one daughter. Mr. Carter, believing that education is the foundation stone to future success, spares no pains or expense to give his children every advantage to be had. In his political views

Mr. Carter is a stanch Democrat, voting for Gree- ley in 1872. He affiliates with the Knights of Honor and Knights and Ladies of Honor at Cotton Plant, and has held various offices in these lodges, quite recently holding the office of Assistant Dicta- tor in the former lodge, and that of Treasurer in the latter. He was formerly a member of I. O. O. F., and wherever he goes is greeted with a royal welcome and a hearty hand-shake, all going to show that he is far from unpopular. He and wife are both members of the Methodist Church, and in all church and educational matters, he is a ready and liberal contributor.

Capt. William A. Chaney, prominently identi- fied with the mercantile interests of Cotton Plant, and one of the leading planters of the county, is a native of Tennessee, his birth occurring in Tipton County, in 1838, as the son of Capt. Joseph E. and Nancy (Shelton) Chaney. They were natives of Virginia, and born in Petersburg, where they were reared and married, but in an early day moved to West Tennessee. They died in Tipton County, Tenn., Mr. Chaney passing away when William was only three or four years old; Mrs. Chaney's death occurred in 1870, at the age of seventy years. Both were members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and he served in the War of 1812, with Jackson at New Orleans, wearing the title of captain. He was of Irish descent, and possessed of great educational attainments. Grandfather Thomas Shelton was a native of Virginia, one of the early settlers of Tennessee, and moved from there to Brandon, Miss., where he died very wealthy. Capt. William A. Chaney, the youngest of eleven children, and the only one now living, remained with his mother until grown to maturity, and re- ceived liberal advantages for an education, all of which he was careful to improve. In March, 1858, he was married to Ann J. Versur, a daughter of Dr. William Versur, of Tennessee (who died in Lonoke, Ark., having come to that place in 1858). Subsequently removing to Arkansas he settled in Lonoke, where his wife died in 1859. In 1861 he joined a company of the First Arkansas Cavalry of Fagan's army, and gave his efficient service until the close of the war, being in Arkansas, Missouri,

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Texas and Kansas, in various ranks. He was mus- tered out as captain, and served in nearly all the engagements with great credit. In March, 1865, Capt. Chaney was united in marriage with Miss Emma, daughter of J. K. Crossett, a prominent physician in White County. There he died in 1887, having made it his home from 1858. Mrs. Chaney was born in Mississippi. To their union have been given seven children, three daughters and two sons now living. Soon after the war the Captain returned to Tipton County, Tenn., where he farmed until 1871, and then came to Cotton Plant, since being engaged in farming and mer- chandising. He owns a large amount of property (improved) in Tennessee and Arkansas, and a very nice residence in town. He is a Democrat and voted for Bell in 1870. The K. of H. Lodge at Cotton Plant counts him as a member, and he was formerly an Odd Fellow. Capt. Chaney is sparing no pains or expense to educate his children, and is giving them every opportunity to become accom- plished. His wife is an earnest worker and mem- ber of the Methodist Church.

L. D. Cole, a wealthy farmer and ginner of Barnes Township, is a native of Georgia, and was born in Cass County in 1851, the son of Jacob W. and Laura (Banks) Cole. Jacob W. Cole was a Virginian by birth, and when a young man immi- grated to Georgia, where he was married and re- sided until his death in 1880. He served in the Confederate army in the First Georgia Infantry as captain, but was discharged after two years on ac- count of disability. His father, Plum Cole, also a native of Virginia, died in Gilmer County, Ga., at the age of one hundred and twelve. He was a Presbyterian in his religious faith, and his wife, who died when one hundred and thirteen years of age, was also of the same belief. Plum Cole was of Irish descent, and served in the War of 1812 with Jackson. Mrs. Cole, the mother of the subject of this sketch, is now residing in Texas, a devout member of the Baptist Church. Her father, Will- iam Banks was born in the Old World, but is at this time a resident of Georgia, at the age of nearly one hundred years. Mr. Banks has always been a farmer and miner, enjoying fair prosperity, and

the respect of all who know him. L. D. Cole, the third child in a family of six sons and three daughters, received his primary education in the schools of his native State, and also spent four years at Stilesborough (Ga.) College. In 1870 he came to Cross County and worked for one year as a farm hand, also putting in a crop one season for himself. He was married in 1873 in Cross County to Tolly, daughter of John and Lucinda Clark. Mr. Clark was married in South Carolina, and in 1849 came to what is now Cross County. At that time it was a perfect wilderness, but by his un- ceasing labors he soon raised his place from its embryo state to that of high and successful culti- vation. Himself and wife were members of the Presbyterian Church, and died in 1858 and 1863, respectively. Mrs. Cole was born in South Caro- lina, and was one of five children, two sons and three daughters. The year of Mr. Cole's mar- riage, he came to Woodruff County and settled in the woods in Barnes Township, where he improved a farm and resided until 1885. He then came to his present farm, which was at that time entirely unimproved, but through energy and persevering labor he now has a home of 360 acres in two farms with 200 acres under cultivation. It is all his own property, and the result of his industry, which considering the inconveniences and hardships en- dured by all pioneers at that time is truly com- mendable. Mr. Cole trades in cattle and hogs, and for two years has been running one of the best steam gin and corn mills in the county. He was court and deputy sheriff of Barnes Township for four years, and is an active worker in all educa- tional purposes. He is a Democrat, and voted for Greeley in 1872. Mrs. Cole is a member in good standing of the Methodist Church, to which her husband liberally contributes.

D. R. Compton. There is no sketch within the Biographical Department of this work which presents a better example of the rise of young men from a lowly place to a position of honor and re- spect, than appears in these few lines, for, at the age of nineteen years, Mr. Compton started out in life for himself, and is now the owner of 370 acres of land, of which 150 acres are under cultivation.

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He was born in Pittsylvania County, Va., October 16, 1830, and is the oldest child born to Reuben and Nancy (Farmer) Compton, who were also Vir- ginians. He was reared and educated in his na- tive county, and upon first leaving home, went to West Tennessee, where he was engaged in farming for about nine years. In 1860 he took up his per- manent abode in Woodruff County, Ark., and was for a short time located near Augusta. From 1862 until the close of the war, he has served in Com- pany E, Twenty-second Arkansas Infantry, and since the war he has been engaged in conducting his farm, his efforts in this direction being attended with the best results. In 1853 his marriage with Miss Tabitha Lax was celebrated, and of six chil- dren born to them, only two are living: David and Edward. His marriage to his present wife, whose maiden name was Berna Neill, took place in 1882, and their union has been blessed in the birth of three children: Reuben H., Virginia B. and Colum- bus N.

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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