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 60

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 60

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A. J. McElroy served four years in the Confed- erate service during the late war as a member of Company B, McRae's Regiment , and participated in the battles of Helena, Red River, Prairie Grove and a number of other battles and skirmishes, re- maining in the field of duty until the surrender in 1865. Leaving home at the age of twenty-six he engaged in farming on 160 acres of land which he had bought in this county, and where he still re- sides. He now has upward of 100 acres under cultivation, with good buildings and good stock. Mr. McElroy was born in Georgia in 1833, as the son of John and Mary (Stephenson) McElroy, natives of South Carolina. Soon after the latter's mar- riage he came to Georgia, remaining until 1848, when he moved to Arkansas, settling in this county, where he entered 480 acres of land. Here he lived until his death in 1866, at the age of sixty-eight years. He was four times married. His first wife, Miss Shy, became the mother of one child, now deceased. By his second wife (Miss Belk) he had five children, only one of whom survives: J. C. (of this county). After her death Mr. McElroy was married to Mary Stephenson, who died in 1859

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leaving nine children. Two only of these are living: A. J. (our subject) and Elizabeth. Mr. McElroy's fourth and last wife was Rachel McDuffie. The union of A. J. McElroy to Miss Rebecca J. Lan- troupe, of Tennessee, was consummated in 1853, she being a daughter of William and Charity Lantroupe. Mrs. McElroy departed this life in 1880, having been the mother of eight children, four living: Robert (in this county), George, James and Parlee (now Mrs. Weeden, who resides in Wynne). Mr. McElroy is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as was also his wife. He is a leading and respected farmer in this township.

Mrs. Cora H. McKie. Many of the younger citizens of Vanndale, hold sacred the memory, and all respect the name of W. P. McKie, a former citizen of Vanndale, who came to this village in 1872, and engaged in teaching school. Mr. McKie was born in Lafayette County, Miss., on October 12, 1847, and was a son of James M. and Juliette (Fondren) McKie, natives of Mississippi. He was reared and educated in Mississippi, and was mar- ried to Miss Cora H. Hare in 1873. [For sketch of the parents of Mrs. McKie see that of T. E. Hare, in this work. ] To. Mr. and Mrs. McKie were born three children: Thomas W., James M. and Juliette B. Mr. McKie died on October 8, 1882, after a short illness. He was very popular in his community, and his death was deeply felt and much regretted by his large circle of friends. Mrs. McKee was born on November 3, 1857, her family being one of the oldest in the county, com- ing here in 1840. She is a member of the Method- ist Episcopal Church, as was also her husband. He also belonged to the society of the Knights and Ladies of Honor. Mrs. McKie is a generous and hospitable lady, very popular, and a leading spirit in all church and charitable works.

James D. McKie, a prominent physician of Vanndale, and a graduate of the Medical University of Louisville, Ky., is a native of Mississippi, and a son of James M. and Juliette (Fondren) McKie, who were also of Mississippi origin. The father died in 1861, and his wife in 1888, in Lafayette County, Miss. James D. McKie received his literary education at the University of Mississippi, before

entering the Medical University of Louisville, from which latter he graduated in March, 1876. Follow- ing this he began his practice at his home in Missis- sippi, and the succeeding October came to Arkansas, settling in Vanndale, Cross County, where he has built up a large and influential practice, in fact more than he can well attend to. Dr. McKie was married in 1879 to Miss Lula Lea, originally from Tennes- see. They are the parents of one child, Willie H. The Doctor and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and are also connected with the Knights and Ladies of Honor. He owns a fine residence in Vanndale, and also a farm of 320 acres, with sixty-five acres under cultivation, having a fine orchard; he is somewhat engaged in stock-raising, and has about twenty head of horses. Dr. McKie is a highly educated gentleman, and a leading citizen of this section.

John K. Malone, at present occupying the re- sponsible position as deputy county clerk of Cross County, was born in Poinsett County, and is a son of William C. and E. M. (Gardner) Malone, na- tives of North Carolina and Virginia, respectively. William C. Malone came to this State with his father in 1854, settling near the present site of Vanndale. He was a minister of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, South, and a man of considerable importance in the county. In 1868 he was elected county clerk of Poinsett County, served one term, and in 1882 he was elected to the legislature to rep- resent his county (Cross) and was made the chair- man of the committees of education, agriculture, and temperance. In connection with his farming, Mr. Malone was engaged in the mercantile busi- ness in Wittsburg, and later at Vanndale, where he died in November, 1885. At that time there were but very few men surviving, who had been here at the first settlement of this county. Mrs. Malone is still living at Vanndale. Our subject was born in 1862, and was educated in the com- mon schools of this county, and finished his school- ing at Little Rock. In 1885 Mr. Malone was appointed deputy county clerk, which office he still holds, discharging his duties with great credit to himself. Mr. Malone is a strong Democrat, and takes an active part in politics. He is a young man

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of ability and promise, and a son of a noted and highly respected man, and is rapidly rising into a citizen of note and prominence.

Thomas L. Martin is not unknown to the many residents of Cross County. A native of Alabama, he is a son of Joseph and Sallie (Fitzgerald) Mar- tin, who came originally from North Carolina, Joseph Martin having moved to Tennessee when a boy. At the age of twenty-one he went to Ala- bama and settled in Lawrence County, where he engaged in farming, being the owner of several negroes. In 1858 he came to Arkansas and settled in this township, and entered 120 acres of land. Mr. Martin was twice married; first, to Miss Rut- tidge, by whom he had four children, all now de- ceased. His second wife was the mother of our subject. Mr. Martin was a member of the Cum- berland Presbyterian Church, and died in 1863, at the age of seventy-six years. Thomas L. Martin was born in Lawrence County, Ala., in 1841, and was reared to farm life, coming to this county with his father in 1858. In 1861 he joined the Confed- erate army, serving as one of the celebrated "Walk- er Grays," for a short time, and in February, 1862, he became connected with the Fifth Arkansas Provisional Regiment, known as the Walker Regi- ment, in which he served until the surrender of Island No. 10, in 1862; there he was captured and sent to Camp Douglas, being held until the fol- lowing September. He rejoined his command in December, at Port Hudson, was again captured in the following May and sent to New Orleans, and afterward to Fortress Monroe, where he was pa- roled. Returning home, he walked a distance of 500 miles in fourteen days and a half, reaching his destination in August, 1863. In the following April he started for Kirby Smith's headquarters, but did not again go into active service, being en- gaged in getting together Government cotton. Aft- er the war Mr. Martin resumed his farming opera- tions and rented land until 1876, when he bought his present place, consisting of 100 acres, which at that time had only four acres under cultivation. He now owns another farm of 200 acres, and has about 100 under cultivation. He is a member of the K. of H. and of the Agricultural Wheel. Mr.

and Mrs. Martin are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The former is one of the lead- ing farmers in Bedford Township, and is respected by all who know him. He has been twice married; first, to Elizabeth Wigby, on February 1, 1866, by whom he had three children: Maggie Emma (born September 28, 1869), Thomas Jefferson (born December 17, 1870) and Kittie Ellen (born No- vember 17, 1873). Mrs. Martin died September 30, 1881, and Mr. Martin subsequently married on December 6, -1882, having four children by his second wife (she was a widow, Mrs. Mollie F. Everet): Wesley Hargus (born March 1, 1884), Eliza Dolphus (born March 6, 1885), Edgar Shu- ford (born December 15, 1887) and Porter Feath- erston (born October 7, 1889).

John P. May, druggist, Vanndale, Ark. This suc- cessful and enterprising business man is a native Tennesseean, born in Madison County, in the year 1844, and at present is a member of the well-known firm of May & Malone. He is a son of John May, and a grandson of John May, Sr., who was a native of the Old Dominion, but who was one of the pioneers of Eastern Tennessee. He was an extensive planter, and was working about 100 hands at the time of his death, which occurred about 1846. John May, father of our subject, was a native of Tennessee, and also became very extensively engaged in farm- ing, in Mississippi, going to that State in 1845. He resided in La Fayette County until 1860, and then came to Arkansas, and settled in what is now Cross County. Here he purchased 2,000 acres of land, on the Memphis & Jacksonport dirt road, on L'Anguille River, known as Shaver's Bridge, and opened up about 400 acres of land, erected build- ings, and made a comfortable home for his family. While on a trip to Memphis, in 1863, he was taken sick, and died at Marion, Crittenden County, Ark., November 23, of that year. His wife (the mother of the subject of this sketch), whose maiden name was Miss Cynthia M. Cook, was born in North Carolina, and after the death of her husband con- tinued to live on the farm until November, 1867, when the place was sold, and she has since made her home with her son, John P. May. The latter attended school at College Hill, Miss., and at Mem-

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phis, T'enn., until sixteen years of age, or until 1860. Two years later he enlisted in Company D, Thirtieth Arkansas Regiment Infantry, and was elected corporal of Company D, and in January, 1863, was promoted to orderly-sergeant, and filled that office till 1864, when the Thirtieth regiment was consolidated with the Thirty-second Arkansas. Shortly afterward he was promoted special courier in the Trans-Mississippi Department. He partici- pated in the battles of Greenville, Mo., Prairie Grove, Ark .; was at the evacuation of Little Rock; was at Mansfield, La., Pleasant Hill, La., Camden, Ark., and Jenkins' Ferry, Ark. He was also in a number of skirmishes on the different campaigns, and was made special courier in October, 1864, for Gen. John S. Roane, serving in that capacity until the close of the war, or until May, 1865. His com- mand was disbanded at Marshall, Tex., and he sur- rendered at Little Rock. After being paroled at Memphis, June 6, 1865, he returned home, and im- mediately engaged in farming; left the old home- stead in 1867, and farmed on rented land for one year, after which he went to Mississippi, where he re- mained one year on account of his mother's health. He then returned to Arkansas, and in November, of 1869, bought a farm about one mile south of Walnut Camp, known as the Mitchell farm. Here he remained until 1879, and during that time he cleared about fifty acres, erected buildings, and made many other improvements. At that date he sold out and bought a farm of 160 acres adjoining the old homestead, on the west side of Crowley's Ridge, where he remained two years. In 1880 he moved to Wittsburg, and engaged in hauling, which he continued until November 15, 1882, when he came to Vanndale, and erected the first residence at that station. He opened a restaurant and con- fectionery store in December of that year, it being the third place of business started in Vanndale, and after a short time he converted his business into a drug store, and in 1885 admitted Mr. W. C. Malone as a partner. The latter died Novem- ber 26, 1885, and his interest succeeded to his wife. This firm now carries a full and complete line of drugs, paints, oils, notions, toilet articles, stationery, school books, tobacco, cigars and con-

fectionery. Mr. May is a member of the K. of H., and K. & L. of H., of the Masonic fraternity, and is also one of the Building & Loan Association, of Vanndale. He was married February 14, 1871, to Miss Sallie E. Applewhite, a daughter of John and Nancy J. Applewhite, who came to Arkansas in 1859, and the father became extensively en- gaged in farming operations, which he continued up to the time of his death, in 1883. Mrs. Apple- white still resides on the old homestead, about three miles north of Vanndale. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. May were born six children, three of whom are deceased: Lena Burton (died in 1881, at the age of nine years), Fletcher Garland, Harry (died at the age of two years) and an infant daugh- ter, Helen. The eldest child died in infancy, and unnamed. Mr. May is one of the first-class busi- ness men of the place, is an exemplary citizen, and was a brave and fearless soldier.

Thomas W. May is justly recognized as one of the prominent farmers of this community. He has also attained to great esteem as a faithful public official of Cross County, now serving as county as- sessor. A native of Mississippi, he is a son of Thomas W. and Mary A. (Taylor) May, who came originally from Alabama and settled in Mississippi shortly after their marriage, locating in 1871 in Cross County, Ark. Here the senior May bought a farm of 320 acres, near Cherry Valley, which had about seventy acres under cultivation. Shortly after coming to this county he died, and the home place was then divided, and a portion of it sold. Mrs. May still resides on the remainder. Thomas W. May, Jr., our subject, was born in Mississippi in 1859, and until 1879 helped his mother carry on the farm after his father's death. In that year he was married to Miss Agnes Bowers, of this county, and daughter of Jacob Bowers, a well-known citi- zen of Cross County. Mrs. May died in August, 1888, leaving four children: Ada, Edna, Effie and Pearl. Mr. May was married the second time on March 26, 1889, to Miss Georgia Jackson, also of Cross County birth. Mr. May has held some pub- lic office here for the past eight years. In 1881 he was appointed constable of Mitchell Township, to fill an unexpired term, and was afterward elected

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to that position, serving two terms. In 1888 he was elected county assessor, which office he still holds. Mr. May bought a farm of 160 acres, in 1885, near Cherry Valley, having about forty acres under cultivation, and has cleared as much more since owning it. He has since bought out the interest of the heirs of his first wife's parents to a large and valuable estate. An enterprising young man, he is very popular in the community in which he lives.

Dr. William T. Mebane, physician and farmer, Wynne, came originally from Greensboro, N. C., where his birth occurred in 1825. Dr. William T. Mebane was the son of Dr. John A. Mebane, who was a native of North Carolina. The father was for a long time a prominent physician in North Carolina and also a soldier in the War of 1812. He died July 11, 1864, at the age of sev- enty-three years. The mother (whose maiden name was Celia A. Sutton) was also a native of North Carolina. The paternal grandfather, Alexander Mebane, was a brigadier-general in the Con- tinental army during the Revolutionary War. He was one of the founders of the University of North Carolina and served in the Congress of the United States up to the time of his death. Dr. William T. Mebane began attending school before he was five years of age and in 1846 graduated at the University of North Carolina and in 1851 from the Medical Department of the University of Pennsyl- vania. He then received a commission in the United States Navy but unqualified. Instead he returned to Greensboro and soon removed to a plantation given him by his father in Mississippi. In December, 1851, he settled on the western base of Crowley's Ridge in St. Francis (now Cross) County, and here he purchased 730 acres, all wild land. He then began an extensive scale of clearing and improving and soon had a large tract under culti- vation. In 1853 he was appointed postmaster and held the office (which was called Eureka) in his house until about 1876, when the name was changed to Mebaneville. Dr. Mebane has been the only postmaster in Cross County and is, there- fore, the oldest postmaster in Eastern Arkansas. He at once began practicing medicine, which pro-

fession he has kept up through all these years; still rides some and does an extensive office practice. He has a good farm with 180 acres under cultiva- tion and during all these years he has been an old landmark for Cross County. He was married in 1854 to Miss Lucy Antoinette Magette (daughter of Charles G. Magette, one of the old settlers in this section). The fruits of this union were seven children: Lucy S. (widow of J. W. Koonce), Charles M., Mary (wife of R. M. Smith), Will- iam Thomas (died April 11, 1884, at the age of twenty-four years), John Alexander (died October 14, 1866, at the age of three years), Robert Henry (died August 2, 1888, at the age of twenty-two years) and an infant daughter, unnamed. Dr. Mebane has practiced his profession in that State for many years, is educated and refined and has been a close student for forty years.

Charles Neely is a member of the firm of Martin & Neely, who are doing a large business at Wynne, carrying a complete and well-assorted stock of gen- eral merchandise. A native of this State he was born in 1860, being a son of W. A. and M. J. (Deadnam) Neely, originally from South Carolina and Arkansas, respectively. W. A. Neely was an attorney by profession, and practiced at Batesville and different places in Eastern Arkansas, after- ward moving to a farm in this county, where he died in 1866. He was a prominent man in the politics of the community and enlisted in the Con- federate service during the war, toward the close of which he served as an enrolling officer. Mrs. Neely was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and died in December, 1865, just one month before her husband. Charles Neely was born in what is now Cross County, being educated in the common schools of this county, and at the age of eighteen engaged as a farm laborer, in which capacity he remained occupied for six years. In 1886 he em- barked in the grocery business in this place, and gave his attention to that branch of trade until June, 1888, when he went into partnership with J. A. Martin. They are now doing a general mercan- tile business, amounting to about $15,000 annually. Mr. Neely also owns his residence in Wynne, and about ten acres of land under cultivation outside

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the town limits. He is a thorough business man, and is bound to succeed, also being a popular citi. zen of Wynne. He is the only living representative of his family.

Charles D. Oliver, merchant, Wynne, Ark. The well-known business firm of Daltroff, Sparks & Oliver was organized in 1887, and since that time has been doing a rapidly increasing business. Mr. Oliver owes his nativity to St. Francis County, Ark., where his birth occurred in 1862, and is one of eight children, the result of the union of R. G. and Luginia R. (Palmer) Oliver, natives of Arkan- sas, and one of the Carolinas, respectively. The father was a successful agriculturist. Charles D. Oliver was left an orphan when quite young, and as he only attended school until eleven years of age, his education in consequence was rather limit- ed. He began working for James Fussell & Co., merchants at Forrest City, and there remained for nine years, during which time he secured a good schooling in matters of business. In 1881 he left this firm and went to Wittsburg, where he was in the employ of Block Bros. & Co. for about three years. During this time he had started a grocery store at Wynne, and thinking it needed his atten- tion he gave up his employment at Wittsburg and came to Wynne. He conducted his business until January 1, 1887, and during 1886 it had proved very profitable, Mr. Oliver being so fortunate as to make considerable money out of it. In the begin- ning of 1887 he entered the firm of Daltroff & Sparks, general merchants, under the firm title of Daltroff, Sparks & Oliver, which title continues at the present time. This firm is doing a good busi- ness, having won the confidence of the public by honest, upright dealing. Mr. Oliver was married in 1884 to Miss Etta Block (daughter of David Block, who was for a long time one of the leading merchants and one of the wealthiest men of Cross County). To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Oliver were born two sons: Charles Edward and John David. Mr. Oliver is a member of the K. of P., Lodge No. 52, and is a Knight of Honor. After the death of his parents he took charge of all the younger members of the family, educated his sisters and made a home for the youngest, who was

an infant at the time of the parents' death. The family have always looked to him for advice and assistance and never failed to get both. The younger brothers are in business for themselves and have good situations. The youngest, John P., is traveling salesman for Malone, Chapman & Eld- er at Memphis, and is a bright, capable business man. Charles D. Oliver owns the old homestead in St. Francis County, a good farm of 220 acres with 125 under cultivation, and has a fine residence on the same place. He also own 580 acres in vari- ous tracts in Cross County, and 175 acres of this are cultivated. He owns a block in the city of Wynne which is partially covered with buildings which yield about $400 annually for rent. Charles D. Oliver has always been successful in all his busi- ness enterprises and is pre-eminently a self-made man.

R. G. Oliver, merchant, Wynne, Ark. By his excellent business qualifications, and by his social and polite treatment of the public, Mr. Oliver, although a young man, has became one of the lead- ing business men in his particular line in Eastern Arkansas. He owes his nativity to St. Francis County, Ark., where his birth occurred in 1864, and is the fifth of eight children born to the union of R. G. and Luginia R. (Palmer) Oliver. The par- ents are natives of Georgia and South Carolina, re- spectively. The father came to Arkansas at an early day and followed farming and stock raising in St. Francis County, until his death in 1876. The mother's death occurred in 1879. R. G. Oli- ver was early taught the duties on the farm, and attended the public schools of Forrest City, until about fourteen years of age, when he went to Memphis, and engaged as a clerk for Zellner & Co., shoe dealers. He remained with this firm for about seven years, and then went to Crawfords- ville, Crittenden County, where he engaged with Buck & Trexler, continuing with them for about two years. He then began business for himself in the same place, opening a store of general merchan- dise and plantation supplies, but continued in busi- ness but a short time, when he sold out to his partner, and in 1888 came to Wynne. He here established a store of clothing, boots and shoes and

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gents' furnishing goods. He carries a stock of goods valued at about $10,000. Last January (1889) he moved into a fine brick store, which he has fitted up, and this is now one of the largest stores in Eastern Arkansas. Mr. Oliver was mar- ried January 2, 1889, to Miss May Kelley, a native of Arkansas, and daughter of John Kelley, an old settler of Lee County. Mr. Oliver has re- cently purchased a lot in Wynne, on which he expects to erect a residence ere long. In his polit- ical views, he has always affiliated with the Demo- cratic party. Socially he is a member of the K. of P., Levesque Lodge No. 52, at Wynne, and is also a K. of H. at that place.

R. W. Orr, Wynne, Ark. Prominent among the business men of Wynne stands the name of Mr. Orr, who has been established in business at this place for about four years, and has become one of the permanent and enterprising residents of the town. His birth occurred in Middletown, Butler County, Ohio, in 1850, and he was left fatherless at a very early period of his existence. On this account his educational advantages were limited, and he was compelled to apply himself to his books when grown in order to fit himself for business. When about seven years of age he be- gan to work for himself on the Miami Canal of Ohio, and followed this for about eight years, after which he was engaged in various occupations, dealing in lumber, etc., for some time. In 1882 he came to Arkansas, worked on the Cotton Belt Railroad for two years, and then in 1884 settled in Jonesboro, where he opened a restaurant. This he conducted for one year, and then moved to Wynne, where he started another restaurant, in- vesting all he had in his small stock. From that time he rapidly built up a large business, and by his honesty and attention to his patrons, became highly esteemed in the community. January 1, 1889, Mr. Orr opened a saloon. Since living here he has purchased three business lots on the main streets of Wynne, on which he is now erecting a new brick building, 24x96 feet and one story. He will occupy all this large store-room for his busi- ness, which he proposes to fit up and run as a first-class sample room. He also owns a neat cot-

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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