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 48
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this time, and surrendered at Wittsburg. Mr. Felker is a strong and thorough Democrat, and
voted for Polk, in 1844, and every Democratic
candidate since, with the exception of the war period. His financial condition is based on a solid foundation, which is all due to hard work, perse-
verance and close attention to business. He is one of the most prosperous of Pumpkin Bend citizens, and enjoys the respect of the entire community. Although he has lived thirty years in the bottom lands, he has always had very good health, and is still well able to stand and endure the varying changes of weather. He comes of a long-lived race, and bids fair to carry the record of his an- cestors. Mrs. Felker is a member of and in high standing in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
W. E. Ferguson is not only known as a popu- lar and worthy citizen, but as county and circuit clerk of Augusta, Ark. Though claiming Coahoma County, Miss., as his place of birth, which occurred on September 10, 1851, Mr. Ferguson was reared in Woodruff County, Ark. His parents, James P. and Maria L. (Alcorn) Ferguson, originally from Kentucky, immigrated to Woodruff County in 1850, when W. E. was but eight years of age, and after moving to this county settled in Augusta Township, where the father purchased a tract of land from Dave Johnson, one of the early pioneers of the county. Some of this land he found im- proved, and a portion was in its wild and natural state. In 1861, Mr. Ferguson moved to Augusta, making his home there ever since. He was a Union man in principle, and opposed the secession of the States, but the first Confederate company that was raised in his adopted county, through courtesy, made him lieutenant. He resigned, and in way of acknowledging the compliment thus shown him, presented the boys in gray with blankets. He has been a farmer and land speculator, and, although the owner of an extensive tract of land, he is prac- tically living a retired life. Hon. James L. Alcorn, one of Mississippi's distinguished senators, is a brother of Mrs. Ferguson. There are five children now living born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson: William E., Mary M. (widow of Ander son O'Neil), Minnie T., Bettie T. and Alcorn. W.
E. Ferguson's younger days were passed princi- pally in Woodruff County, and being placed in the common schools to be educated, he remained in there until fifteen years of age, when he entered the Emory and Henry College of Emory, Washing- ton County, Va., to complete his studies, but only remained through the sophomore year. After leaving this institution, he returned home, staying but two years, and acting as deputy sheriff, then, 1873, entered the Lebanon Law School, from which he graduated the following year. He was admitted to the bar at Augusta the same year, after which he practiced his profession until October, 1874, when he found that he would be compelled to take up his father's business in the farming interest in order to save the business, the employes of his father having involved him to a considerable amount. W. E. then assumed charge of affairs, and superintended the place, buying and weighing and ginning cotton. He worked diligently for two years, straightened things out, and then went to Dardanelle, where he found employment as a clerk. He remained in this position until September, 1878, when he returned to Augusta, and clerked for L. Rosen, continuing with him until 1880, when he was elected to the office of assessor. In 1882 he was elected sheriff and collector, and re- elected in 1884 without opposition in his own party. In 1886 he was elected to his present office (that of county and circuit clerk), and re-elected in 1888. Mr. Ferguson is one of the prominent political leaders of Woodruff County, and has a host of friends, his affability and thorough edu- cation qualifying him for any position of trust the people may confer upon him. He was married in May, 1884, to Miss Mary E. Douglass, a native of Iowa, who bore him two children: Louise and Ruby. Mr. Ferguson is a member of the Masonic fraternity, also a Chapter Mason and Knight of Honor and Knight of Pythias. In 1870 he entered the commercial school of Evansville, Ind., remain- ing at this institution of learning one term.
R. K. Fitzhugh, Jr. In making mention of the subject of this memoir, it is not an injustice to him when it is said that he is foremost in agri- cultural pursuits, and as a planter is exceedingly
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successful. He is a native of Virginia, his birth occurring in Greene County in 1854. He is a son of Rufus K., Sr., and H. E. (Baytop) Fitzhugh, the former of King George County origin and the latter of Gloucester County, Va. In 1859 Mr. Fitz- hugh came to Arkansas, purchased a tract of land, and in 1866 moved his family to this place, and being an extensive slave holder in his native State, brought with him a large number of negroes. He became an extensive land owner, his place being known as "Walnut Woods," and at the time of his death he had about 550 acres under cultivation. He died in 1888, his wife and ten children surviv- ing him. R. K. Fitzhugh is next to the oldest of the family, and although principally reared in Arkansas, he received his education in the Agri- cultural and Mechanical College of Auburn, Ala., graduating from this institution in 1874. Since his graduation he has turned his attention to farm- ing, and has 800 acres of land in his home place, near Augusta, with 600 acres under cultivation. On this farm is a large cotton-gin, having a capac- ity of ten bales per day. He has held the office of county surveyor for three terms, being first elected in 1880, and socially is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
Dr. B. A. Fletcher, physician and surgeon, Augusta, Ark. This prominent practitioner was born in Fayette County, Miss., October 14, 1862, and, quite naturally perhaps, early formed a de- termination to follow the practice of medicine, for his father, Dr. John P. Fletcher, is a physician and a graduate of the New Orleans Medical Col- lege. The father, a native of Tennessee, married Miss Mary A. Cooper, a native of Mississippi, and in 1871 they moved to Arkansas and located in Lonoke County, where the father still lives, prac- ticing his profession in Mississippi and Arkansas. The mother died in 1873. Dr. B. A. Fletcher, the youngest in a family of ten children, was but eight years of age when he came with his parents to Arkansas. His early scholastic advantages as he grew up tended to increase the natural desire which he possessed to follow the medical profes- sion, and quite early in life began the study of medicine. He attended the session of 1883-84,
graduating from Bellevue Medical College of New York City. He then began practicing in Lonoke County, and there remained until 1885, when he came to Augusta, and has since been engaged in the practice of his profession at that place. He has met with flattering success for a young physi- cian, and his future prospects are bright. His brother, J. J. Fletcher, who established a drug store in Augusta, died in 1885, and the Doctor came to this place to settle the estate. He con- cluded to remain, and is now building up a good practice. He was married in December, 1884, to Miss Mary A. Baker, of Virginia, who has borne two children, only one of whom is living: Mary A. The Doctor is director of the County Medical As- sociation and secretary of the Woodruff County Board of Medical Examiners and also of the county society.
W. W. Folsom, who has been editor of the Woodruff County Vidette for the past ten years, was born in Charlotte, N. C., on August 23, 1836. At the age of twelve years he entered the office of the Columbia (Tenn. ) Record, where he served a time at the printing business. Leaving Colum- bia in the year 1S60, he became a citizen of Jack- son, Tenn., from which point he went into the Southern army, in the Sixth Tennessee Infantry, and served to the close of the war in Gen. Cheat- ham's division. At the close of the war he came home like many others, penniless, but went to work to build up his own and the fortunes of his bright Southland, as a citizen of Mississippi, engaging in a mercantile and farming life. In 1875 he became a citizen of Arkansas, and since that time he has been laboring to build up every interest of his adopted State. In 1879 he became the editor of the Brinkley Times, the office of which was burned in November of that year when he became the editor and proprietor of the Vidette. In that capacity he has given his every energy to the ad- vancement of the State, and particularly to the pushing forward of Woodruff County, and by his untiring energy and perseverance has succeeded in giving prominence to his paper, among his breth- ern of the press, both in and out of the State, In 1888 he was made president of his State Press As-
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sociation, and is now serving his second term as a member of the executive committee of the National Editorial Association. He is still devoting himself to the advancement and development of Woodruff County, and will take pleasure in giving informa- tion to any person wishing to know the advantages of this beautiful and fertile region.
George W. Gordon, a conscientious and up- right citizen, known and respected by all for the ability and faithfulness with which he discharges all duties imposed upon him, is a wealthy planter residing near Riverside, Ark., and born in Giles County, Tenn., July 4, 1847, and is a son of J. P. W. D. and Martha (Anderson) Gordon who were also Tennesseeans. The Gordon family were early settlers of the State and before the war the father was an extensive trader in negroes and owned a large plantation. He was also the owner of an hotel and livery stable at Pulaski, and died at this place in 1863, his wife having died in 1853. To these parents were born four sons and three daugh- ters, of whom their son, George W., was the youngest boy. His boyhood days were spent in Pulaski, Tenn., and he there received his early schooling, but upon reaching a suitable age he began farming, continuing in this occupation for a number of years. On December 24, 1873, he took up his abode in Woodruff County, Ark., where he has since been engaged in the duties of farm work. He owns 535 acres on Taylor's Bay. In 1880 he was elected to the office of constable, serving two years, also filling the position of deputy sheriff, and in 1882 was chosen county assessor, remaining in this appointment four years. In 1886 was defeated for sheriff by a small majority in the primary Democratic election. He is a worthy constituent of the Masonic fraternity, and he and wife, whom he married in 1873, and whose maiden name was Kate Shell, are the parents of three chil- dren: Clarence, Lelia and Fannie. Mrs. Gordon was born in Woodruff County. Himself and wife are worshipers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He taught two private and three public schools near Riverside, also served as Sunday-school super- intendent for three years.
Dr. E. O. Grigsby, the trusted and tried friend
of suffering humanity, the center of a host of friends, is a prominent physician and citizen of this (Woodruff) county, was born in Madison County, Miss., on March 18, 1835, the son of John R. Grigsby, of Scotch descent. His father, John R. Grigsby, was born in Rockbridge County, Va., in 1781, and was reared and educated to farm life. When quite young he immigrated from his native State to Henderson County, Ky:, where he married, and after losing this companion he then went to Mississippi, where he was again married to Mrs. Elizabeth Sanders (maiden name Briggs) in 1833. To this marriage three children were born, two boys and a girl: E. O., M. R. and Eliza (deceased). Mr. John R. Grigsby served in the War of 1812, and was called to his final home in 1847. Mrs. Elizabeth Grigsby was born near Natchez, Miss., in 1805, and died in 1841. Dr. Grigsby's career as a man and physician dates from 1857. He at- tended lectures at St. Louis Medical College at that time, and graduated from this institution. He first practiced medicine in Madison County, Miss., locating in sight of the county school-house he attended when a boy, and in the neighborhood where he was reared an orphan, and there he re- mained until the late war between the States, and when Mississippi passed the ordinance secession, his Southern pride bade him go, and he enlisted at once in a company then forming and known as the Madison Rifles, afterward Company I, in the Tenth Mississippi Regiment, where he served twelve months as a private, though frequently de- tailed as medical assistant for special duties. At the expiration of his twelve months of service as a private, he was commissioned as assistant-surgeon, and assigned to duty with the Tenth Mississippi Regiment, the same in which he had served as a private soldier. In 1864 he was promoted to full surgeon, ordered to report to Gen. Forrest, who assigned him to duty with the Seventh Alabama Cavalry, under the command of Col. Colvin, where he remained until the close of the war, when re- turning to Mississippi and finding himself unable to live the life of former days, he immigrated to Arkansas, and in 1867 located in De View, where he has been engaged in the successful practice of
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his profession ever since, with the good-will of a host of friends around him, and always true to bis trust and generous to a fault, and not lacking in those qualities which go to make up the courteous and affable gentleman. Dr. Grigsby was married to Mrs. Eliza Brigham in 1868, and by her became the father of two children: Nettie O. and John R. (deceased). Mrs. Grigsby's maiden name was Norrell, and was born in Tennessee in 1836, and came with her parents to Mississippi when quite small, and from Mississippi to Arkansas in 1851. Her father was married in Alabama, and was the parent of seven children, two of whom are now living: Eliza and Amanda (the wife of Mr. James Crawford, of Walnut Springs, Tex.). Mr. Norrell served in the War of 1812, and was a devout and earnest Christian, belonging to the Baptist Church, and died in 1853, his wife surviving him but eight years and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The only association to which Dr. Grigsby belongs is the Knights of Honor and the society of true honorable men. He is now engaged in the drug and grocery business, in con- nection with his practice, and has been for the past six years.
J. T. Hamblet, merchant, Augusta, Ark. In the list of industries of the city of Augusta that of merchandising takes a prominent position, and among the houses engaged in this branch of bus- iness that of Mr. Hamblet is entitled to due notice and recognition. Mr. Hamblet was originally from Dinwiddie County, Va., where his birth oc- curred in 1825, and is the eldest child born to the marriage of G. B. and Joannah Hamblet, na- tives of the Old Dominion. The parents immi- grated to Tennessee, and there resided until the death of the father, which occurred in 1841. The mother died in Woodruff County, Ark. J. T. Hamblet was principally reared in Tennessee, and his early scholastic advantages were enjoyed in that State. He began clerking in a store in Mem- phis in 1843, and there remained until 1848, when he came to Augusta, Ark., and engaged in the mercantile business, which he has since continued. He is the oldest merchant in the county, and does a general furnishing business, carrying a large and
select stock of goods, and is one of the leading merchants in the county. He has always attended strictly to business, and this in some measure ac- counts for success. He is also the owner of con- siderable real estate. Mr. Hamblet chose for his companion in life Miss Cordelia P. Penn, and was united in marriage to her in 1850. They have three children living: Mrs. Josie Harry, Ida Dale and Georgie Elsberry. Mr. Hamblet has been a member of the Masonic fraternity for forty years, and is one of the first-class citizens of the county.
Dr. T. A. Hightower has attained to an estab- lished reputation as a physician of ability. A resi- dent of McCrory, his birth occurred in Limestone County, Ala., June 5, 1850, he being the son of James Hightower, a prosperous farmer. The lat- ter, who was of Virginia nativity, was born in 1817 and accompanied his parents to Kentucky from the Old Dominion, and then to Alabama when quite a young man. Concluding that it was not good for man to be alone, he selected for his helpmate, Miss Lucy Westmoreland, their marriage occuring in 1846. Their union was blessed with a family of nine children: John C., James L., William E., Lou C. (Mrs. R. R. Riley), Robert L., Bettie (the wife of Mr. Gilbert), India, Martha and T. A. Mr. Hightower was a member of the Methodist Episco- pal Church, and a man respected by all. His death occurred in Limestone County, Ala., in 1879. His wife, who was born in Giles County, Tenn., in 1831, is now residing in Alabama, Dr. Hightower was married in 1875 to Miss Emma Simpson, in Lawrence County, Ala. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Simpson, and was born in 1858. Dr. and Mrs. Hightower are the parents of five children: Isaac, Pearl, James, Katie and Thomas. The Doctor was educated in Tennessee, and at- tended medical lectures at the University of Nash- ville, Tenn., in 1870-73. He first practiced medicine in Town Creek, Ala., in 1873, but immi- grated from Alabama to Tennessee in 1878, and that year came to Arkansas, locating in this county, where he has since resided, enjoying, as he well de- serves, a large and lucrative practice. Dr. High- tower is identified with the following orders: K. of P., Douglass Lodge No. 56, K. of H. and A. F.
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& A. M., belonging to the Blue Lodge, Chapter, and Commandery No. 1. Mrs. Hightower is a mem- ber in high standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a general favorite in society.
J. P. House, merchant, Augusta, Ark. To be successful in any calling in life a man must be honest, industrious and saving, and with these es- sential qualities he can not fail to accumulate property, and at the same time hold the respect and esteem of his fellow-men. Mr. House was originally from Hardeman County, Tenn., and is the son of A. B. House, a native of Tennessee, and a planter, who is still residing in White County, Ark. The maiden name of the mother was Eliza Wilkes, who was also a native of Tennessee. J. P. House was in his eighth year when he came to White County with his parents, in 1858. He re- ceived a fair education in the common schools, and early in life was taught the duties of farm life. He left the parental roof at the age of eighteen years, and clerked in a store for three years. He then studied law, and was admitted to the bar in White County, where he practiced his profession for four years in that and Woodruff Counties. He estab- lished the Vidette in 1877, and ran it until 1879, when he gave it up. After this he began keeping books for Hamblet & Penn, and held this position until 1884, when he engaged in mercantile pur- suits with a partner, E. H. Conner, the firm title still continuing House & Conner. They carry a general line of merchandise, and are doing a suc- cessful business. Mr. House selected his wife in the person of Miss L. Purssell, and was united in marriage to her in 1880. She died in 1886, leav- ing one child, John W. Mr. House is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Knights & Ladies of Honor, and Knights of Pythias, and a Knight Templar and Knight of Honor.
Joseph L. Howell. Mr. and Mrs. David Howell, of North Carolina, the former a prosper- ous farmer of that State, were the parents of nine children, as follows: James L., Eliza (wife of Nedy Hyatt), Mary (now Mrs. H. C. McCraken), C. J. (Mrs. J. I. Jaredd), N. E. (Mrs. Morgan Osborn), Adaline (Mrs. George Butler), Joseph L. (the subject of this sketch) and two sons deceased.
Mr. Howell was claimed by the dread destroyer, Death, in 1864, his wife having preceded him in the year 1848. They were earnest workers and members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Joseph L. began life for himself in 1852, as travel- ing agent of musical instruments, and also taught music until 1861. During the war he went to Texas, and freighted cotton from Waco to San Antonia for the Government. After the close of hostilities, Mr. Howell came to Arkansas and set- tled in this county, engaging in farming, which occupation he has since followed, being to-day one of the wealthiest planters of the county. He owns between 5,000 and 6,000 acres of land, about 1,200 in a fine state of cultivation. A good gin is one of the many improvements made by him, which was rebuilt during the year 1889, enabling the ginning of from fifteen to twenty bales per day. Mr. Howell was married to Miss Fannie Butler, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joel J. Butler, of Georgia, and their marriage resulted in a family of five children, three girls and two boys: Martha (the wife of Dr. Mewborn), Effie (Mrs. Richard Izard), Eddie, Joseph and Fannie (de- ceased). Mrs. Howell was born in 1838, owing her nativity to Georgia, where her parents were life-long residents. Mr. Butler died in 1864, and his wife two years before. Mr. Howell has erected a very fine residence in Howell Station, and is the founder of that place. He is foremost in all en- terprises relative to the welfare of town and coun- ty, many of which owe their origin and successful completion to his ever ready support and to his spirit of progression. His wealth enables him to contribute largely to all charitable purposes, and in performing many good works he follows the Bible injunction, "Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth."
S. L. Ingalls, real-estate and insurance agent, Augusta, Ark. In a country like Arkansas, with so much land still unoccupied or not built upon, the office of the real-estate agent is an important one, and exercises considerable bearing upon the welfare of the community. He is an instrument for the building up of the country and making the wilderness to blossom as the rose, figuratively
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speaking. Among those largely interested in this line of business is Mr. S. L. Ingalls, who is also an insurance agent, one of the most important branches of business in any community. Mr. In- galls was born in Boston, Mass., in 1846, and is a son of Elias T. and Eliza (Chase) Ingalls, natives also of Massachusetts. This family was early set- tlers of the New England States, and the Great- grandfather Ingalls was the founder of the city of Lynn. Elias T. Ingalls was a shoe manufacturer, and followed this pursuit up to the breaking out of the war, after which he was the buyer for his son, R. M. Ingalls, of Louisville. He is still living at his home in Massachusetts. S. L. Ingalls, the young- est son of seven children, five sons and two daugh- ters, received his education in his native State, and in 1861 went to Louisville, Ky., where he remained with his brother in the shoe business until 1865. He then returned home and was book-keeper in Boston until 1870, when he came to Arkansas, lo- cated at Jacksonport, and was also book-keeper here for E. L. Watson for some time. In 1876 he came to Augusta and was book-keeper for Hamblet & Penn for two years, after which he was made deputy county and circuit clerk, filling this position for eight years. In 1884 he embarked in his present business, represents twelve fire-insurance companies and is a large real-estate dealer, both in town and country. He owns one of the finest resi- dences in Augusta. By his marriage, which oc- curred in 1871, to Miss Kate H. Weiss, of Louis- ville, Ky., he became the father of two children, both deceased. Mr. Ingalls is justice of the peace of Augusta Township. He is a brother of Senator Ingalls, of Kansas. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Chapter, K. of H. and K. & L. of H. He is also a member of the K. of P.
Richard T. Jett, one of the most prominent and influential citizens in the vicinity of Gregory, was born in Kentucky (Barren County) in 1834. His father, R. H. V. Jett, was a native of Virginia, born in 1806. He followed the occupation of mill- ing, and in 1828 was married to Miss Elizabeth Bradley, of Maryland, by which union were born ten children, eight boys and two girls, seven now living, viz .: Mary J. (wife of Gabe Corn), Rich-
ard T., Catherine (wife of William Langstay), Al- bert N., J. S., James F. and G. W. Mr. Jett was a member of the Christian Church, and died in 1872. Richard T. Jett immigrated from Ken- tucky to Arkansas in 1870, locating in Woodruff County. He turned his attention to the improve- ment of land and now cultivates some 300 acres, the principal crops being cotton and corn. He has erected a good residence, and enjoys the acquaint- ance of many residents about Gregory, in the southern portion of the county. The year 1858 witnessed his nuptials with Margaret A. Haden, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Haden, of Ken- tucky. To their marriage three children have been given, two girls and one boy: Carrie (wife of Law- rence Richey), Josie (now Mrs. James Snodgrass) and Albert C. Mr. Jett is an expert machinist and followed that business for several years. From 1861 till 1866 he engaged in steamboating, and now has an interest in a large saw-mill, also in partnership with W. J. and E. G. Thompson, Minor Gregory and R. Eldridge in the possession of a gin, the style of the firm being Mill & Gin Co. They run four stands and have the latest im- proved plans. Mr. Jett possesses any amount of energy, and his having an interest in anything means the successful termination of that enter- prise. His refined surroundings and hospitable board ensure for him the respect and esteem of all who know him.
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