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 81

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 81

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John M. Widener first saw the light of day May 25, 1834, in a farm house situated in the

wilds of St. Francis County. He grew to man- hood in that locality with no companions save his brothers and sisters, and without the advantages of schools and churches which his children now enjoy. After remaining in this county until 1862, he went to Shelby County, Tenn., but three years later moved to Saline County, Ill., returning home in about a year. Mr. Widener owns, at this time, some eighty acres of land on the St. Francis River bottoms, and in connection with farming is success- fully engaged in stock raising and in the timber business, his earnest efforts and industry having yielded substantial returns. His father, Samuel Widener, was born in North Carolina, in 1798, and lived there for a number of years, then re- moving to Alabama, where he remained for a short time. His home was Tennessee for a while, from which State he came to Arkansas, settling in the wilderness of St. Francis County. Here he resided until his death, which occurred in 1842. His wife, Margaret (Evans) Widener, died in 1838, leaving a family of ten children, John M., our subject being the only one living. The latter has been twice married; first, in 1858, to Miss Lavina Land, a native of this State, who died in 1877, leaving four children, two of these survive: Mary J. (wife of Samuel A. Mead, a farmer of St. Francis County) and Samuel A. (living at home). Mr. Widener was married the second time, in June, 1885, to Mrs. Mary McGuffey, daughter of John Halbert, of Missouri birth. Mr. and Mrs. Widener are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in which they take an active part, Mr. Widener being steward. He is of German descent, and a prominent Democrat, and a leading citizen of this county.

N. G. Williams is a descendant of a Revolu- tionary hero, and it was only natural that his pa- triotism should demonstrate itself at the outburst of civil strife in 1861. His paternal grandfather was one of the early settlers of North Carolina, and a soldier in the War of the Revolution, serving un- der Gen. Greene. His parents, Hardin and Mar- tha (Tanner) Williams, were both natives of Ten- nessee, and had a family of three children, two of whom are living: Jane A. (widow of Samuel I.

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Sutton, of Phillips County) and N. G. The latter was born in Maury County, Tenn., on April 27, 1832. He spent his boyhood on the old home farm in that State, receiving a good education in the common schools of his county, after which he attended the University at Lebanon, Tenn. Two years before becoming of age he commenced farm- ing for himself in Maury County, and in November, 1855, moved to Arkansas, locating in St. Francis County, where he was engaged in tilling the soil on the St. Francis River bottom lands, until the breaking out of the war. Then he entered the Confederate forces in the Fifth Arkansas Infantry, but was in only a few engagements, as he held the office of commissary of his regiment. After peace was declared he settled down to farming again at Taylor's Creek, and in 1883 opened up a stock of merchandise, since which time he has carried on the mercantile business in connection with farm- ing. His stock of goods will invoice about $1,500, and he enjoys a good trade. Mr. Williams was married in 1854 to Mary Lee Wortham, who died thirteen years later, leaving one son, Lawrence E. He was married to his second wife, Martha H. Mos- ley, in 1869. They are the parents of three chil- dren: M. E. Williams, N. G. and M. J., all at home. Mr. Williams now owns 500 acres of land, with 131 acres under cultivation. His life illus- trates what pluck and energy can accomplish in connection with good common sense, for success is bound to follow persistent effort.

R. J. Williams, attorney at law of Forrest City, made his first appeal for his rights in Win- chester, Tenn., September 23, 1848. His literary education was received in the schools of that State, and afterward he entered one of the prominent universities of the South, commencing the study of Blackstone under the efficient tutelage of Walker J. Brooks, of South Carolina, in the class of 1869-70. Finally he graduated from a law school in Virginia, and commenced the practice of his chosen pro- fession in this place in 1873, having taught school for two years after finishing his college career, to liquidate the expenses of that course. His client- age has gradually increased, and he is, without exception, now conceded to be one of the most able

practitioners of the county. He represented the Seventh senatorial district in 1878, and served until 1881, with an ability and efficiency that not only satisfied his Democratic constituents, but the people at large. Mr. Williams owns some 400 acres of land, and has the finest residence in For- rest City. He was married in Summerville, Tenn., in 1872, to Miss Sallie T. Wainright, and by her is the father of two children: Lucy and Addie. Mr. Williams is the son of J. W. and Mary (Mc- Nabb) Williams, natives of Virginia. The former, a mechanic by trade, was for many years estab- lished in Winchester. He was judge of Franklin County during the civil war, and held a similar po- sition for twenty years in Winchester. He is now residing in the latter place at the advanced age of seventy years. Mrs. Williams died in 1863. She and her husband had a family of six children, all of them living. Mr. Williams has attained an en- viable reputation in his profession, but his popu- larity does not end there, for he is also a favorite in social circles. Cordiality and a pleasant word for all are among his many noble attributes, and though ready at repartee and jesting, there is no occasion to regret the word spoken. He is a mem- ber of the Blue Lodge of the Masonic order, and is High Priest of the Royal Arch Chapter, also be - longing to Commandery No. 11, K. T.

Eugene Wilson, proprietor of one of the largest bakeries and confectionery establishments in For- rest City, was born in St. Francis County, in 1870, and is a son of S. C. and Mary (Beck) Wilson, also residents of that city. Mr. Wilson and his partner, John Reno, do a large business in their line, their trade amounting to an average of $200 per week. The latter is a baker by trade, besides whom they also employ an experienced baker to meet the de- mands of a large trade, having, in connection with the bakery, an ice-cream parlor (that is liberally patronized), and the finest delivery wagon in the city. S. C. Wilson was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, in 1825, but was reared in Pennsylvania, where his parents moved when he was a small boy, settling on a farm, on which he worked when not attending school until sixteen years of age. At that time he was apprenticed to learn the carpen-

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ter's trade, serving three years in Lowell County, Ohio. After familiarizing himself with its varied details, he worked two years in New Castle, and then went South, locating in Blackhawk, Miss., in 1846, where he remained about ten years, follow - ing his adopted calling. Subsequently he was en- gaged in the saw-mill business until the war broke out, when he joined the Confederate army, serving in Stevenford's battery until the close of the war. He was captured at the battle Missionary Ridge, and taken to a Federal prison, being confined six months. He participated in the battles of Mis- sionary Ridge, Chickamauga, Murfreesboro, and a number of skirmishes. After the war, returning to Mississippi, he was employed by J. H. Pait in his saw-mill until 1869, at which time he came to Arkansas, and located in St. Francis County, about three miles north of Forrest City. He erected a new saw-mill and operated it in connection with a grist-mill, until removing to the city, in 1881, since which time he has been occupied in the mer- cantile business, with substantial success. He has acquired some property, owning six houses in the city, besides other possessions. Mr. and Mrs. Wil- son are the parents of three children, all residents of this county: Mary E. (wife of William M. Han- nah), Charles M. and Eugene (the principal of this sketch). S. C. Wilson is the son of Dr. Andrew and Mary (Simpson) Wilson. His paternal grand- father was of Irish parentage, and his maternal grandfather was born and reared in England, running away from home when a young man in order to marry the girl of his choice, an Irish lady, and a sister of Thomas Nugent, the noted warrior. They eloped and came to America, and were mar- ried in New York City, after which they settled in Pennsylvannia, where he engaged in farming. Mrs. Wilson died in March, 1889, and was a prom- inent member of the Baptist Church, to which she had belonged for over thirty years. Mr. Wilson is a prominent resident of Forrest City, and is the present deputy United States marshal of this dis- trict. He is Grand Master of the I. O. O. F. He is the patentee and inventor of the "patent car coupler," of which he is the sole owner.

H. W. Winthrop, one of the representative cit-

izens of Forrest City, was born in New England (Vermont) in 1839, being the son of William and Ann (Herron) Winthrop. William Winthrop owed his nativity to England, and was of English and Scotch descent. When quite young he came to America, and became prominently identified with politics, serving as a member of the legislature, and at the date of his death, in his eightieth year, was holding the position of county judge, having acted in that capacity for twelve years. His wife was born in Ireland, but married in Vermont, and by her marriage with Mr. Winthrop became the mother of five children. She is now living with her son, H. W. Winthrop, having passed her eighty-eighth birthday. Grandfather Herron came originally from Ireland, and after losing his first wife there, emigrated to America about the year 1800, attaining a place as one of the richest men in Vermont. He left seventy-two grandchildren, all well-fixed, and the monument erected to his memory in Vermont is one of the largest in the State. The mother of H. W. (the subject of this sketch) is his daughter by the first wife. H. W. Winthrop ran away from home when a boy, but was found in Boston and brought back by his father. He then concluded that the locality in which he was settled did not suit him, so went West, and at the date of the war was in Massa- chusetts. Joining the Federal army, Company N, Fifty-third Massachusetts Regiment, he served three years, having been promoted first lieutenant, though not commissioned, and he did not go to his regiment. Resigning his position he went into the sutler's department, and was brigade-sutler over the Eleventh New Jersey Cavalry, Second Iowa and Third United States, finding himself at the close of the war in Memphis, Tenn. He purchased a steamboat at that place with the intention of do- ing a trading business on the St. Francis River, but after making one trip, and landing at Madison, this county, he was accosted by familiar faces, who inquired if he did not recognize them, and whether he was not the man who had captured them, while serving in an official capacity during the Civil War. He first hesitated in replying, but finally admitted the soft impeachment, though not without some

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fear of results. He indeed was the man, and im- mediately was at the mercy of several of his former prisoners. Long before, when he captured them, his men, though all Federal soldiers, had given their rations to the Confederates, who were half famished, and gone without themselves. The act was never forgotton. Mr. Winthrop was enter- tained in a royally hospitable manner by his ex- Confederate captives, who were gratified in having an opportunity to extend favors to one who had so nobly rendered them assistance in a time of dis- tress. This partly led to his disposing of the boat and locating at Madison, where he enterd the gro- cery business in the firm of Cole & Prewett, Mr. Cole being one of the leading men of the soldiers, whom Mr. Winthrop had captured as a rebel. From the moment of this second meeting a strong friendship grew up between the two, and many years of business and social relations have failed to sever the bond. Mr. Winthrop again served an appointment soon after the war, when he was ap- pointed chief clerk of the United States Bureau, and has filled many official positions since that time. He has been United States assessor of the Eastern District of Arkansas, United States col- lector of the same district, and collector of St. Francis County for six years. In 1872 he was elected sheriff of the county, but a change of political administration caused him to decline the election. He discharged the manifold duties of postmaster in a highly commendable manner for several years, and was deputy United States mar- shal for a long period. His experience as marshal would make an interesting volume within itself, as his honesty and justice in dealing with men caused them to regard him more as a friend than an enemy or officer of the law, though he was never derelict . in duty. Fortune has smiled on Mr. Winthrop in a most generous way, he now owning the city opera house, erected by himself, and other valuable property, exclusive of which he has 8,000 acres of very valuable land. His marriage with Miss Georgia Johnson has proved a most happy one. Two children have blessed their union: Mary and Fannie. In societies he is identified with the I. O. O. F. and A. F. & A. M., and in politics is a

Republican. He is a direct descendant of Gov. Winthrop, of Massachusetts.

Thomas Jefferson Withers came to this county with his father at the age of five years, and re- mained on the home farm until the father's death, which occurred in 1876. He then purchased a tract of land and commenced farming for himself, also being engaged in teaching school for three years. In 1881 Miss Mary E. Ratton became his wife. She was a daughter of William Ratton, of Kentucky nativity, and is now the mother of one son, Clarence W. Mr. Withers was born in Ken- tucky, March 26, 1862, as the son of Thomas Up- ton Withers, who was engaged in farming in the Blue Grass State (Kentucky), and after moving here was occupied in furnishing the Mississippi steamers with wood. At this calling he was mak- ing a good income, until 1858, when, during the high water he lost several hundred cords of wood, which financially crippled him. He then came to St. Francis County, where he resided until his death in 1867, at the age of fifty-nine. His wife, who was born here, survived him eleven years. Mr. Withers owns a farm of 185 acres, of which over 100 acres are under cultivation. He is en- gaged in stock raising principally, and is one of the most successful farmers in Griggs Township, although a young man not yet twenty-eight years of age. He is also a leading Democrat, and hav- ing served three years as justice of the peace, and at this time holds the office of school director, and supervisor of roads of his township, being a prom- inent member of the County Wheel. Mrs. With- ers belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

O. P. Wolff. In 1848 O. P. Wolff, Sr., and his wife, Anne E. (Russell) Wolff, came to Arkansas from Philadelphia, their native home, and settled on the present site of the town of Colt, which he purchased from W. M. Taylor, consisting of 160 acres, with four acres of it cleared. Mr. Wolff improved the rest and bought adjoining lands, and in 1870, at the time of his death, was the owner of some 600 or 700 acres. Soon after arriving here he opened up a stock of general merchandise, and as settlements were few and far between he had a

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large trade and enjoyed a profitable patronage, which he continued for some years after the war. The place was then known as Taylor's Creek, by which name it was called until 1882, then being changed to Colt, after the railroad contractor who built the railroad through. Mr. Wolff was twice married. By his first union he was the father of two children, our subject being the only one living; and by his second marriage there were three chil- dren: Fisk B., Cornelia W. and Sallie J. (wife of J. H. Hancock, of Wynne). Oscar P. Wolff, the subject of this sketch, was born in St. Francis County, May 8, 1852, and up to the time of the death of his father enjoyed the advantages of be- ing able to attend the subscription schools of his neighborhood. After the senior Wolff's demise he went to Texas and was engaged for the following five years as a "cowboy," on the western plains. Returning home he entered into farming on the old homestead for seven years, but in 1882 was employed by Mr. Lesca as book-keeper and clerk. In 1883 he was appointed station agent at Colt for the Iron Mountain Railroad, which position he still holds. November 10, 1880, Mr. Wolff mar- ried Mrs. Fannie Gurley. They are the parents of two children: Annie E. and Edward P. Mr. Wolff is a member of the Knights of Pythias and also of the Knights of Honor. He is a Democrat in politics, and a well-known citizen of Colt.

Daniel Wylds, the son of David and Mary Wylds, natives of Georgia and Tennessee, respect- ively, was born in St. Francis County, Ark., in 1846. David Wylds, when eighteen years of age, enlisted in the War of 1812, serving through the entire period as orderly-sergeant of his company. About the year 1821 he moved to Arkansas, locat- ing in St. Francis County, where he died at the age of seventy-four years, and it can be truly said that no resident of the county ever passed away who was more sincerely mourned than he. A gen- ial and courteous gentleman, he was one whom it was a pleasure to meet, and his absence in busi- ness and social circles was always regretted. He was broad shouldered, well proportioned, with a shrewd, kindly face that was more remarkable for its intelligence and keenness than for its beauty of

features. He was a sympathetic listener to the sorrows and ills of the poor and needy, and no one ever told his tale in vain, or went from his home empty-handed. At the time of his removal to Ark- ansas it was almost a wilderness, and had not then reached the dignity of being a State. He be- gan opening a farm, working under difficulties in- cident to that period, such as few, if any, of the present generation realize. They had to put up bear meat in winter to do them through the sum- mer. It required a man of nerve and indomitable courage to undertake the work that he did, and his thrift and perseverance formed a foundation for the home of beauty and plenty that Daniel Wylds now enjoys. It should be added in this connection, however, that the wealth and accumulation of property was not all inherited by the son, for he began for himself at the age of twenty years. Pos- sessing in a large degree his father's ambition and energy, he chose for his profession that most inde- pendent of all vocations-farming, and has con- tinued it ever since. He has been remarkably successful in amassing property, and now owns large landed estates of over 1,168 acres, aside from being an extensive stock raiser. He is con- sidered one of the wealthiest men in the county. When seventeen years of age, Mr. Wylds enlisted in Company K, Dobbin's regiment, Confederate States army, participating in several battles, and receiving a wound at the battle of Jefferson City, Mo .; he was taken prisoner to Illinois, remaining there until March of 1865, when he was exchanged at Richmond, Va., and again captured in April, 1865, following, then receiving his parole. After the war he started for home, but was obliged to make more than two-thirds of this distance on foot. Mr. Wylds was married in 1872 to Virginia I. Thompson, a daughter of William and Mahala J. Thompson, natives of Virginia. To their union five children were born: Charles A., Wilmoth O., Mary E. (deceased), Daniel T. and Allen G. Mr. Wylds' mother, who was a lovely woman, came to St. Francis County in 1816, when only eight years old, and made it her home until she died, at the age of sixty-six, a Christian and philanthropist. In politics our subject is a Democrat, and in secret

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societies is identified with the Knights of Honor. In religious faith he is a Presbyterian. Mrs. Wylds is a member of the Baptist Church. He has always been a consistent and liberal contrib- utor to the cause of religious and educational

movements, and his private charities are numerous and judicious. He has worthily followed in the footsteps of his honored father, whose favorite text was, "God loves the cheerful giver." His ideas of charity are indeed broad.

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MONROE COUNTY.

CHAPTER XX.

MONROE COUNTY-TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES-TAXATION, VALUATION, ETC .- BONDED INDEBTEDNESS -. PRODUCTIONS-LIVE STOCK-HORTICULTURE-LOCATION-TOPOGRAPHY-VARIETY OF SOIL- DRAINAGE-STREAMS, ETC .- TIMBER-ORIGINAL OCCUPANCY-PIONEER SETTLERS AND FIRST HOMES-COUNTY ORGANIZATION-SEAT OF JUSTICE AND PUBLIC BUILDINGS-LIST OF OFFICIALS-POLITICAL ASPECT -POPULATION-COURT AFFAIRS - CIVIL WAR- TOWNS AND VILLAGES-SCHOOLS AND

CHURCHES - PRIVATE . MEMOIRS.

Ill fares the land, to hastening ill a prey, Where wealth accumulates and men decay .- Campbell.

ONROE COUNTY has better shipping facili- ties than any other county in the State. The St. Louis, Arkansas & Texas Railway enters it from the north and runs thence in a southerly direc- tion, bearing a little westward for a distance of thirty-two miles, pass- ing via Brinkley and Clarendon. The Little Rock & Memphis Rail- road crosses the northern portion of the county, its length therein being fifteen miles. The Batesville & Brinkley Railroad commences at Brinkley, and runs in a northerly direction to Newport, its length of line here being about eight miles. The Arkansas Midland Railroad commences at Clarendon and traverses the county a distance of seventeen or eighteen miles in the direction of Helena, its eastern terminus. The Brinkley, Indian Bay & Helena Railroad is com-

pleted from Brinkley south to Pine City on the Arkansas Midland, a distance of twenty-five miles, and will have several miles more in the county when finished through. There are now nearly 100 miles of finished railroad within these limits. Aside from the shipping facilities by rail, Monroe has the advantages of the navigation of White River, a most excellent outlet for heavy products.

In 1880 the real estate of the county was valued for taxation at $836,130, and the personal property at $299,612, making a total of $1,135, - 742; and the total taxes charged thereon for all purposes were $36,002. In 1888 the real estate was assessed for taxation at $870,497, and the personal at $858, 254, making a total of $1, 728, 751. This shows that of the real estate the assessed valuation was not much increased from 1880 to 1888, but the value of the personal property nearly thribbled, and the aggregate taxable wealth increased over fifty-two per cent. The total taxes levied in 1888 were $59, 222.59. With the personal property of the latter year, the railroads were assessed as follows: St. Louis, Arkansas & Texas,

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$261,570; the Batesville & Brinkley, $29,505; Lit- tle Rock & Memphis, $119,390; the Arkansas Mid- land, $63,020, making a total of $473, 485. The assessment of the Brinkley, Indian Bay & Helena line when completed will add largely to the value of railroad property. The property of the West- ern Union Telegraph Company was assessed for taxation at $2,600.

In accordance with a decision of the people, expressed at a special election held May 23, 1871, the county subscribed $100,000 to the capital stock of the Arkansas Central Railway Company, and bonds to that amount were afterward issued. This has been a burden to the tax payers of Mon- roe County, but the bonds are mostly paid. The total indebtedness of the county as shown by re- port for the year ending July 6, 1889, was $53,800.07, and the assets in the treasury amounted to $18,468.81, thus leaving a net in- debtedness of $35,331.26. A part of the bonded indebtedness is payable by Lee County, a portion of that county having been embraced in Monroe when the bonds were issued. The Arkansas Cen- tral Railway was the former name of the present Arkansas Midland.

In 1880 the census showed Monroe County to have 952 farms and 51,238 acres of improved lands. The value of the farm products for the year 1879 amounted to $783,470, the yield of cer- tain products having been as follows: Cotton, 14,106 bales; Indian corn, 208,667 bushels; oats, 13,995 bushels; wheat, 200 bushels; orchard pro- ducts, $50.20; hay, 511 tons; Irish potatoes, 6,193 bushels; sweet potatoes, 14,128 bushels; tobacco, 2,590 pounds. These figures show that cotton was then, as now, the staple product, and corn the next in order; also, that but very little attention was then paid to the growing of wheat. This is not surprising, for it is not prudent to try to raise wheat in a country not adapted to its cultivation. These figures will be interesting to compare with the census of 1890, which will show the products of the present year, 1889, and the great increase over those of 1879. With proper cultivation the lands of Monroe County will yield from 1,000 to 1,500 pounds of seed cotton, forty to sixty bushels

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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