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 79

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 79

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Hon. R. W. Peevey, farmer, stock raiser, and one of the prominent old settlers of St. Francis County, owes his nativity to Alabama, being a son of W. H. and J. A. (Childers) Peevey, origi- nally from Georgia and Tennessee, respectively, and of Irish descent. The parental grandparents of our subject came to this country shortly after the Revolutionary War. R. W. Peevey was born January 8, 1827, and was the fourth son in a family of seven children. He spent his boyhood

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days on his father's farm, and before his twentieth birthday was married to Miss Nellie A. Collier, who died in 1850, leaving three children, two still living: James J. and Emma J. (wife of W. H. Fogg), both in this county. In 1862 Mr. Peevey enlisted in the Confederate army and served in Col. Robinson's regiment, being elected captain of his company at starting out, and in May, 1863, he was promoted to major. He participated in the battles of Vicksburg, Baton Rouge, Corinth and a number of others. After the war he engaged in farming in Madison County, Ala., until 1873, when he came to Arkansas and located in St. Francis County, where he bought his present farm. In October, 1859, he married Miss Louisa Curry. She died in August, 1878, having borne seven children, and of these four survive: Thomas El- bert, Robert H., William H. and Luther B. Mr. Peevey married his third wife, Mary J. Dew, in January, 1880. He is a prominent Democrat, and has ably served his county in the State legisla- ture, to which he was elected in 1876. He also held the office of justice of the peace for several terms, and is still filling that position. A mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he is also connected with the Masonic fraternity.

Frank M. Prewett, one of the oldest and most respected merchants of Forrest City, was born in Bedford County, Tenn., November 4, 1827, and at the age of sixteen went to Texas and volun- teered in the Mexican War, under Capt. James Arnold and Col. Albert Sidney Johnston. He par- ticipated in the battles of Monterey and Buena Vista, receiving an honorable discharge at the end of two years. On his way home he stopped at Mount Vernon, and then and there became en- snared in cupid's toils, yielding up his affections to the charms of Miss N. E. Izard. Ten days after they met she wore his engagement ring, and eight months later they were married. Mr. Prew- ett located at Mount Vernon and engaged in the gro- cery business, and, notwithstanding that he started with very little capital, he possessed at the breaking out of the war, a large plantation and twenty-nine slaves. He enlisted in Capt. Mallory's company as first lieutenant during the civil strife, and was

promoted while at Cotton Plant to the office of captain. His health giving way necessitated his resignation, which took place in the northern part of Arkansas, inflammatory rheumatism, caused by exposure, rapidly making inroads upon his usual health. At the close of the war he found his fort- une all gone, and many debts previously con- tracted staring him in the face. His slaves re- mained with him, but the expense of keeping them was much more than they could possibly liquidate. One morning Uncle Frank (as he is familiarly called) was viewing his gloomy situation, naturally, becoming more and more despondent, when he was accosted by Mr. J. H. Cole, an acquaintance of many years, who proposed that they go to Madison and enter into business, Mr. Prewett not to furnish any capital. The result was the establishing of a mercantile establishment under the name of Cole & Prewett. After a few months Mr. Prewett discov- ered something which he considered more profit- able, and desired a dissolution of partnership, his share of the profits being $1,900. Mr. Cole pre- sented him with a fine horse and saddle, which he traded for a small box house, the first house erected on the present site of Forrest City, and since con- verted into a saloon. Here, in connection with Col. Izard, he amassed a fortune in the grocery business, while the Little Rock & Memphis was being built. They afterward failed for $45,000, and were obliged to dispose of a large amount of real estate in order to cancel their indebtedness. Mr. Prewett went out of the business and resumed farming for ten years, at the expiration of that time coming back into the same business, where he is to be found at present. Mrs. Prewett, who died in her fifty-fourth year, was a faithful worker and member of the Baptist Church, and a most exem- plary lady, being thoroughly beloved by all who knew her. By her marriage with Mr. Prewett she became the mother of eleven children, seven now living: John M. (attorney at law of Forrest City), Mark W. (mail clerk from Helena to Knobel), Thomas E. (city marshal of Forrest City), Blanche (wife of T. L. Briscoe, of Helena), Oscar (a rail- road man), Mary E. and George Emma (at home). Mr. Prewett is a son of P. H. and Judy (Whit-

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taker) Prewett. His father was born in Bedford County, Tenn., and in 1854 immigrated to Texas, breathing his last in the latter State, in 1866, at the age of seventy-two. Mr. Prewett is a Royal Arch Mason, an Odd Fellow and a member of the Baptist Church.

George C. and Frank E. Prewitt are now prom- inent young farmers of this county, though natives of Missouri. They removed to St. Francis County, Ark., in 1886, and settled on the St. Francis River, a section noted for its fertility and productiveness. Their father, Joseph E. Prewitt, was a native of Scott County, Ky., where he was reared and mar- ried, Miss Naomi M. Nash, a native of Covington, Ky., becoming his wife. She was a daughter of William and Elizabeth Nash, and died in 1879, leaving six children: Robert C. (M. D.), William L. (a teacher in Missouri), Bettie A. (wife of George W. Watts), George C. and Frank E., and Mattie C. (now Mrs. Clifford, of Missouri). Mr. Prewitt died in 1874 at the age of sixty-five. George C. Prewitt was born on May 20, 1850, and received a good education, being instructed in the rudiments of farm work by his father, who was an agriculturist of advanced ideas. At the age of twenty he commenced farming for himself. Frank E. was born in Pike County, Mo., June 18, 1859, and started out in life as a tiller of the soil at the age of nineteen, in 1886 becoming associated with his brother George. They are industrious and enterprising young farmers, and are turning their attention to that most lucrative branch of agricult- ural pursuits, as well as that most beneficial to the community, the breeding of fine stock, in which they will undoubtedly make a decided success. They are Democrats in politics and liberal dona- tors to all charitable and worthy enterprises.

Hon. Otto B. Rollwage, mayor of Forrest City, and a member of the firm of Rollwage & Co., one of the leading mercantile houses in Forrest City, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1854, being reared and educated in that city. At the age of twenty years he came to Forrest City, and engaged as salesman in a store in this city for three months, after which he entered into the mercantile business with his brother Louis. They commenced on a

small scale, but by close attention to business and strict economy, enjoy a very extensive trade, em- ploying eight salesmen in their store. They own five business houses besides the one they occupy. Mr. Rollwage was a member of the board of alder- men for some time, and so efficient were his ser- vices in that capacity, and so diligently did he at- tend to the duties devolving on him that he was complimented with a nomination for mayor of Forrest City, while away from home, and without his knowledge. His administration has been very beneficial to the city, he having enforced the many ordinances that were before a dead letter on the status, and especially has he been vigorous in the prosecution of all parties violating the whisky laws; as a result there is now no better regulated city in the State. In his domestic relations Mr. Rollwage is not less happily situated than in business circles. He married Miss Jennie Anderson, of Monroe County, a graduate of a female college in Tennes- see, and a highly educated and refined lady. She is a leader in the society of Forrest City, and is one of the prominent members of the W. C. T. U. in Arkansas, having been a State delegate to the National Convention held at Nashville in 1887. This worthy couple are the parents of five children: Norma, Otto, Tolise, De Velling and Madeleine. Mr. R. is a son of Frederick and Mina (Kuker) Rollwage, both natives of Germany. Frederick Rollwage is still living and resides in Cincinnati, but spends about half of his time with his son, our subject.

George M. Rowland, a prominent farmer of Utica Township, is a native of Mississippi, and a son of Charles and Mary (Lewis) Rowland, who were Virginians by birth. In 1830 they left the Old Dominion for Marshall County, Miss., then a new part of the State, and from which the Indians had just been moved. Here the father lived on a farm which he entered until 1840, then going to Benton County, where he made his home until called away by death, in 1863. His wife survived him until 1876. They were the parents of six boys, three of whom are still living: W. L. (on the old place), J. E. (a resident of St. Francis County), and George M. The latter was born in Marshall

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County, Miss., February 22, 1850. His father, like a number of other Southerners, was a Union man until Virginia attempted to withdraw from the Union, when he announced his allegiance to his native State, and gave three of his sons to the Southern cause. After the battle of Shiloh the brothers returned home on a furlough, and were surprised by the Federals, but would not have been captured had it not been for the treachery of a companion. The three boys and also their father were taken prisoners, and carried to Cairo, Ill., afterward being exchanged, but the father died within eight days after his return, from exposure while coming down the river. George M. Row- land remained at home during the war, being too young to enter the service, though he heard bullets whistle on more than one occasion. In 1868 he went to Gibson County, Tenn., was engaged in teaming for a man by the name of Davis, and the following year took charge of a large farm in Har- deman County, belonging to the same party, where he remained until 1875. Going home on a visit, the month of January, 1876, found him en route for Arkansas, in charge of stock for J. D. Reans, of Forrest City, for whom he clerked the rest of the year. The next year he rented a farm, and has since been occupied in that occupation, now own- ing two farms, one of 214 acres, and one 185 acres in extent, with over seventy-five acres under culti- vation. Mr. Rowland has been twice married, first, in 1879, to Miss Mollie V. Jeth, who died in 1881. His second wife was Mrs. Allie S. Johnson (nee Hill). They are the parents of one child, Charlie Pike, born in 1887. Mr. Rowland is an influential Democrat, and has served as justice of the peace two years. He is a member of the Knights of Honor, and at one time belonged to the County Wheel.

John L. Roy, active in the agricultural affairs of Utica Township, is a native of Tennessee, and a son of James and Mary Roy, originally from Virginia and Tennessee, respectively. John L. came to St. Francis County, Ark., with his father in 1828, being at that time only one year old. Though not having been consulted as to this change of residence, he has never regretted being a citizen

of the State of Arkansas, as he is entirely satisfied with the country and people. He grew up to farm life, and while living in the country in a day when it was but thinly settled, received a good educa- tion, attending school regularly until he grew to manhood. At the age of twenty-one he commenced life for himself as book-keeper at a store in Helena, but resigned that position in a short time to take charge of a trading boat on the Mississippi River. Two years later he went to New Orleans, and re- sumed clerking in a dry goods and grocery house for two years, after which he returned home, and has since been occupied in farming. Mr. Roy was married in 1853, to Miss Lucy E. Dallor, daughter of James and Mary Dallor, natives of North Caro- lina. They are the parents of nine children: Mary E., Thomas J., Mark G., Martha J., Sarah F., William E., Nettie A., Richard L. and John A., the last two being twins. He owns a fine farm of 160 acres, with sixty-five acres under cultivation, and is engaged in raising stock and farming, prin- cipally. He is a member of the Masonic order, and of the Knights of Honor, and also of the County Wheel, and he and his family belong to the Baptist Church. In the early days when the parents of our subject first came to this country, and for a number of years after, game was plenti- ful, and John L. had many exciting bear hunts. At one time, while his father and William Stags were out hunting, their dog was in danger of being killed by a bear, whereupon the former caught the wild animal by the ears, and held him until Mr. Stags shot him; this exploit gained him quite a reputation as a bear hunter.

R. H. Sparkman, M. D., one of Forrest City's enterprising citizens, was born in North Carolina, May 10, 1828, being the son of John and Nancy (Wooten) Sparkman. John Sparkman owed his nativity to North Carolina, but moved to Tennessee when the subject of this sketch was quite small, locating in Shelby County, Tenn., where his death occurred in his fifty-ninth year. Mrs. Sparkman was also of North Carolina origin and by her union with Mr. Sparkman became the mother of five children, R. H. being the only one now living. The name Sparkman, as might be supposed, is Irish,

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the ancestors of the family coming at an early day from the Emerald Isle. The grandfather was a soldier in the War of the Revolution, and the maternal grandfather served in the War of 1812. Dr. Sparkman received a good common education in the schools of Shelby County, and afterward at- tended his first course of medical lectures in Cin- cinnati, his early ambition having been to be a physician, and by his determination and diligent application to his studies he became a credit to that most noble of all professions. He graduated with honors from the Medical School at Memphis in 1857, and immediately began practice in Shelby County, but a year afterward, in 1858, making a trip to Arkansas became convinced that that State promised a better opening, so located on the Hel- ena road, five miles from Forrest City. At the breaking out of the war he had built up an envi- able practice. He joined the Confederate army, McGee's company, McNeil's regiment, afterward becoming surgeon of that regiment. The company was soon made independent and reported to Col. Dobbins, Dr. Sparkman remaining in the service about two years. He returned to Arkansas and practiced until 1875, but succeeded in collecting only about half of his bills, some of them of long standing. He has since retired from active prac- tice, and is now engaged in farming, owning 450 acres of valuable land. Dr. Sparkman was united in marriage on December 23, 1859, to Mrs. Liza (Purvis) Daniel, of North Carolina. Dr. and Mrs. Sparkman are members of the Baptist Church, and the former is a member of A. F. & A. M.

G. W. Seaborn, deputy sheriff of St. Francis County, is well known to the residents of that sec- tion of Arkansas, and enjoys the esteem of all, ex- cept from those whose disregard of law compels him to discharge the duties of his office in an im- partial manner; at such a time he would scarcely be recognized as a jovial companion or the per- petrator of many amusing jokes. Mr. Seaborn was born in St. Francis County in 1853, being the son of G. W. and Frankie (Casteel) Seaborn. The former, of Tennessee nativity, came to Arkansas when about nineteen years of age, locating in St. Francis County, and being the first man to bring

a flat-boat load of merchandise up the St. Francis River. He purchased the goods in New Orleans, and established an extensive business near Mount Vernon, when that was the county seat. He was the first sheriff of the county, holding that office for twelve years, and subsequently served in the State legislature, and was a member of that body at the breaking out of the late war. In 1863 he moved to Tennessee, and upon the close of hostili- ties opened a mercantile establishment at Jeffer- son, Texas. In 1872 he returned to St. Francis County, and died in 1875 at the age of sixty-three years. Mrs. Seaborn accompanied her parents from Tennessee to Arkansas when quite small, and has resided in this county ever since. She was married in St. Francis County and became the mother of two children, G. W. being the youngest. Annie, his sister, is now the wife of B. F. Elington of Atlanta, Ga. Mrs. Seaborn owns a large farm, but resides with her children. G. W. Seaborn grew to manhood in St. Francis County, receiving his education in Texas, where the facilities afforded him were unusually liberal. After finishing his schooling, he came back to his old home and en- gaged in farming for four years, and with the ex- ception of four years spent in the livery business at Forrest City, has made agricultural pursuits his principal avocation. He now owns about 600 acres in this and adjoining counties. Mr. Seaborn was married in 1876 to Miss Mattie Cabbs, a daughter of Dr. J. H. Cabbs, brother of the pres- ent land commissioner. Dr. Cabbs' mother is living in this county at the advanced age of ninety- three years. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Sea- born three children were born. Mrs. Seaborn died in 1883, leaving many friends to mourn her death. In his political views he sides with the Democratic party.

James W. Skinner was born in Fleming County, Ky., in 1842, as the son of Benjamin F. and Lucinda Skinner. His early life was passed in the schools of his native State, from which he received a superior education, and at the age of nineteen he began in business on his own responsi- bility in New Orleans, making many friends both in social and business circles during his stay in

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that city. In 1861, going to Memphis, Tenn., he enlisted in the Confederate service, where he re- mained for one year and then commenced steam- boating on the Mississippi River, following this business until the Federals gained control of the river. In 1868 he came to St. Francis County, Ark., and embarked in the manufacture of staves. Two years later he settled his present farm, which is well improved and gives evidence of thrift and prosperity. Mr. Skinner is a believer in the Christian Church, and in his political views is a Democrat. He is liberal in his support to all worthy enterprises, and a man generally esteemed by the entire community. His ancestors came from Ireland, having emigrated to America pre- vious to the Revolution, in which conflict his grandfather was a gallant soldier.

Stephen F. Snowden was born in Gibson County, Tenn., in 1844. His father and mother immigrated from North Carolina at an early day and when he was about two years old the father died. At the age of ten years his mother moved to Memphis, Tenn., where she still resides. Ste- phen's first work in Memphis was in a butcher shop, where he remained about three years. He then went on the Mississippi River as cabin boy, continuing for some time in this and other capaci- ties, or, till about 1863, when he entered the employ of the Memphis & Charleston Railroad as brakes- man. He remained at this business about one year. In 1864 Mr. Snowden farmed and cut cord wood on Island Forty in the Mississippi River eighteen miles above Memphis. In 1865-66-67 he was employed on a tug plying the Missis- sippi River above and below Memphis. His last work on the water was acting as mate on a steamer running up and down White and Black Rivers in 1868. On the second day of March, 1869, he landed in St. Francis County, Ark., where he still resides. He has been occupied in farming since his arrival and now owns 250 acres of land, seventy acres of which are in a high state of cultivation. W. Snowden's father dying when he was quite young and leaving his mother in indigent circum- stances caused him to be raised without any edu- cation. Consequently he had to depend on mother

wit alone, but to his credit be it said he is in better circumstances than many who have had the advan- tage of a good schooling. Mr. Snowden was mar- ried in 1871 to Miss Temperance M. Claiborn, daughter of Thomas and Laura A. Claiborn. To Mr. and Mrs. Snowden have been born four children: Johnie (born May 18, 1873, and died October 6, 1875), Vital (born January 1, 1876), Delia (born August 14, 1878) and Mildred (born November 2, 1882). Mr. Snowden is a Democrat of the first water, and with his wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He is a mem- ber in high standing of the Knights of Honor and enjoys the respect of all who know him. He is a liberal supporter of all worthy objects that indi- cate the growth and prosperity of the country.

D. H. Stayton, M. D., was born and reared in Phillips County, Ark. His father, Thomas N. Stayton, made his advent into the world in Dela- ware, in 1809, and landed in Arkansas on Febru- ary 14, 1829, settling in Helena, which was at that time only a village numbering but seven families. Mr. Stayton painted the first house in that present city. His father, Hill D. Stayton, was employed as State surveyor at the time, and helped to lay out the section lines of those counties. Pioneers of such early days depended largely on their rifles for subsistence, as the farms were small and not cleared, but their children are the large land owners and prosperous farmers of the present. Mr. Stayton was married after coming to Arkansas to Miss Easter Harris, a daughter of William R. Harris, who moved to this State in 1833. They were the parents of five children, three of whom are still liv- ing: John W. (a lawyer of Jackson County and at one time judge of the court), Ruth (now the wife of Dr. Hearing, of Brinkley, Ark.) and D. H. (the subject of this sketch). The latter was born on September 13, 1837, being reared on the farm in Phillips County. His first absence from home was to attend the University of Louisville (Ky.) Medi- cal Department. After taking his first course he served four years as assistant surgeon in the Con- federate army. At the close of the war he prac- ticed in Lee County until 1870, when he returned to the University and completed his course, which

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hostilities had interfered with, and graduated in the spring of 1871, afterward resuming his prac- tice at his old home. In 1887 he came to and located in St. Francis County, at Palestine, where he has since been engaged in attending to the pros- ecution of his chosen profession, his practice being large and steadily increasing. Dr. Stayton was married May 9, 1862, to Mrs. Caroline Bowden (nee Lockart), a daughter of Thomas Lockart, of North Carolina. They have a family of three chil- dren: David H. (who is married and lives near Palestine), Thomas L. and Lelia C. Dr. Stayton was once president of the board of medical exam- iners of Lee County, and is medical examiner of · the Royal Arcanum; he is also a member of the United States board of pension examining sur- geons for this locality, and examiner of the K. of H. and of the K. & L. of H. Besides being a mem- ber of the three lodges named he belongs to the Masonic order, in which he has occupied all of the positions of honor. He is a Democrat in politics, and he and his wife are members of the Cumber- land Presbyterian Church. He is now lord mayor of the incorporated town of Palestine, Ark.

Capt. J. G. Stern's first trip south was an un- welcome one, but he remained for some time, boarding at Libby Prison and Belle-Isle. After his exchange he was again taken prisoner at the siege of Petersburg. Preferring death to that of prison life, he took the desperate chances and left his captors on the field of battle; this being done in daylight on the run. He was given a parting salute by a volley of musketry. The patriotic enthusiasm with which it was given was shown by a bullet hole through his equipage and one through his coat. Although given such a hearty farewell he stopped not until he reached his regiment, the Eighty-fourth Pennsylvania Infantry. He partic- ipated in a number of battles, among the princi- pal ones were Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, Appomattox Court House, through the siege of Petersburg, and was present at the sur- render of Gen. Lee. He was born April 17, 1844, in the State of Pennsylvania. At the close of the war he followed his parents to the State of Illinois, where he completed his education, which

was very limited up to that time. During the latter years of his residence in that State he was employed in teaching school. In 1872 he went south a second time and located in Arkansaw, Phillips County, at the mouth of St. Francis River, where he worked as a laborer in a saw mill. He soon engaged in business on his own account, getting out logs and staves. A few years later he accepted a position as agent for the Helena Lum- ber Company, and purchased a half interest in a boat running on the St. Francis and Mississippi Rivers, of which he was captain and pilot. Sell- ing out his interest in the boat about seven years ago, he came to Madison, where he is now en- gaged in the timber and shingle business. He leased a shingle-mill about five years ago with a capacity of from 8,000, 000 to 10,000, 000 shingles per year. He owns a number of thousand of acres of timber land, located near his mill and to which he is connected by a tramway, operated by steam-power and leading into the woods for several miles. His parents are both living in the State of Illinois, his father at the age of seventy-one, and his mother one year younger. They were the parents of nine children, six of whom are living.

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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