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 98

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 98

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HISTORY OF ARKANSAS.

was presented during the latter part of the session, and it passed the lower house in a few moments with great enthusiasm, and being sent to the senate also passed that body. On January 6, 1857, Mr. Hutton was married to Miss Cillie M. Mottley, a native of Tennessee, and a graduate of the Abbie Institute. They are the parents of four children: H. N., Jr., Walter S., J. T. and Herbert. Mr. Hutton, or Judge Hutton, as he is familiarly called, has devoted his time to hard study during life, and has developed a wonderful memory. In his extensive practice he never takes notes of the evidence, relying wholly on that faculty, which never fails him. He is justly considered one of Lee's substantial and worthy citizens.

A. Jastrawer, dealer in dry goods, groceries and drugs at White Hall, is a native of Prussia, being a son of Mark and Rose (Cohn) Jastrawer, also na- tives of that country. The former died when the principal of this sketch was a small boy, and his wife in 1875. Our subject was born in 1832 and was married in Prussia about 1863, to Miss Ester Cohn, also of that country, and who became the mother of two children, both now deceased. Mr. Jastrawer learned the shoemaker's trade while in his native country, at which he worked for a num- ber of years. Emigrating to America about 1869 he landed at New York City, where he remained, working at his chosen calling for about one year. He then went to Memphis, Tenn., and three years later came to Forrest City, where he was engaged in the same business for several years, subsequently removing to Lee County. He first started in the mercantile business in different parts of this county, and in 1883 located at White Hall, where he has since been occupied in general merchandis- ing, with excellent success, having acquired con- siderable property. He is the owner of 1,000 acres of land, of which half is under cultivation, and is enjoying a patronage of about $25,000 annually. Mr. Jastrawer is a member of the K. of H. and of two Jewish and German Lodges.

J. L. Jenkins, farmer, Haynes, Ark. On Sep- tember 15, 1851, in Johnson County, Tenn., there was born to William and Sarah M. (Russel) Jen- kins a son, who is taken as the subject of this

sketch. William Jenkins was born in South Caro- lina in 1805, thence removing, in 1833, to Johnson County, Tenn. Leaving that State in 1857 he went to Dent County, Mo., where he remained the balance of his life, his death occurring July 27, 1871. He was too old to participate in the late war, but this did not prevent him from being har -. rassed by bushrangers. By his marriage to Miss Russel he became the father of ten children, only two now living: Sophronia J. (wife of J. D. Crabtree, resides in Golden City, Mo.,) and J. L. (who was the youngest of the family. The mother was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and died February 28, 1860. The paternal grandfather was an early settler of Tennessee, and was in one of the early wars. J. L. Jenkins passed his boyhood days in Dent County, Mo., received the benefit of a common-school education, and at the age of eighteen years commenced for himself in Dent County, where he farmed for some time on rented land. In 1872 he moved to St. Francis County, Ark., and worked for wages on a farm for two years, after which (in 1878) he purchased a portion of his present place, forty acres. To this he has since added 160 acres, and has fifty-five acres under improvement. Besides this his wife has sixty acres of an undivided farm of 120 acres, on which Mr. Jenkins now resides. He was mar- ried in 1876 to Miss Annie E. Stanfield, a native of Lee County and the daughter of Clark and Jane (Myrick) Stanfield, natives, respectively, of Ala- bama and Arkansas. The Myrick family were among the early settlers of Arkansas, having made their appearance here as early as 1820 or 1825, and were prominently identified with the early set- tlement of the country. Mr. and Mrs. Stanfield were the parents of four children, two now living: Mrs. Jenkins (the eldest) and J. M. (who resides with Mr. Jenkins). Mr. Stanfield died in 1883 and Mrs. Stanfield in 1876, the former a member of the A. F. & A. M. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins were born five children: P. J. (de- ceased), Willie A., Nora L., Hattie M. (deceased) and Joseph B. Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and are liberal contributors and supporters of all lauda-

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ble enterprises, particularly those pertaining to re- ligious and educational matters. Mr. Jenkins is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Cannon Lodge No. 254, and is also a member of the Knights of Honor, Lodge No. 2168.

Samuel L. Johnson has worked at farm labor since a young boy, his father having died when he was but two years of age, and the mother when the son was eighteen years old. At the age of fifteen he was employed as a farm hand in Monroe County, but shortly after started to learn the trade of blacksmithing, soon returning to farm labor, at which he was employed until he bought a farm of his own. He now owns 280 acres of tine farm- ing land in Lee County, with half of it under cul- tivation. Mr. Johnson was born in Monroe County January 4, 1850, his parents, Hardin and Eliza- beth (Davis) Johnson, being natives of Mississippi and South Carolina, respectively. They removed from Mississippi to Arkansas in 1842, and located in Monroe County on a farm, on which Mr. John- son lived until his death in 1852. Two years later Mrs. Johnson married James Ganberry, and sur- vived until 1868. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson had a family of four children, three of whom are still living: Julia (wife of William Moy, a farmer of Monroe County), Thomas B. (a resident of Illinois), and Samuel L. (the principal of this sketch). The latter was married March 20, 1880, to Miss Nan- nie Ruscoe, of Alabama birth, who lived only two years after her marriage, leaving two children, one of wbom, Laura E., still survives. He was married to his second and present wife, Mary A. Jeffcoat, a native of this State, April 4, 1883. She was a daughter of William K. and Nancy J. (Fisher) Jeffcoat, both now deceased. By this marriage there was born one child, Bessie V. Mr. Johnson is a Democrat, and takes an active inter- est in the success of his party. He and wife are leading members of the Presbyterian Church, and live upright Christian lives.

John M. Johnson. The estate which Mr. John- son now cultivates and owns, comprises 500 acres, of which 300 are under cultivation, and it is well adapted to the purposes of general farming. In his operation he displays those sterling principles

so characteristic of those of Virginian nativity, of which industry and wise and judicious manage- ment are among the chief. He was born in Russell County, October 23, 1857, and is a son of Jacob Johnson, who was born in Carroll County, Va., in 1830, his wife, Malinda Foster, being also a native of that State, born in 1832. Their marriage took place in 1847, and to their union a family of seven children were born, of whom John M. is the fourth. Only three of this family are now living, and all reside in Lee County: Benjamin F. (who married Ida L. Riner), Nannie (who married H. E. Sapp) and Jacob. The father was a man of public spirit and took an interest in all worthy public enter- prises wherever he lived. He served in the Con- federate army during 1861-62, but in the latter year returned home and died of small-pox. He was a farmer by occupation, and at the time of his death owned a good farm of 200 acres. His widow survives him, and resides in Lee County, Ark., with her daughter. John M. Johnson received his education in the schools of Sulphur Springs, Va., but in 1877 concluded to seek his fortune in the West, and immigrated with his mother to Arkansas, locating in Lee County, where, in 1881, he began business for himself. He has a well-improved and well-stocked farm, and his management shows a thorough knowledge of the business.

S. D. Johnston is a member of that well-known general mercantile firm of Johnston & Grove, of Marianna, Ark., which has existed under the pres- ent title since 1881, having previously been Jar- ratt, Rodgers & Co., and Johnston, Foreman & Co. These two firms were really one and the busi- ness of both houses was kept in one set of books and as one firm. Later, the firm name was changed to Johnston, Rodgers & Co., and Johnston, Fore- man & Co., and finally to Johnston & Grove. Their establishment is among the leading ones in Eastern Arkansas, and they occupy one of the main business houses in Marianna, having regularly in their employ seven men, besides assisting in the work themselves. The main room is 27x125 feet, the large stock of goods occupying parts of two other floors, and ranging from $15,000 to $20,000. Their highest annual sale, made in 1879, amounted

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to $140,000, but of late years have aggregated from $75,000 to $85,000. They also own two farms. Mr. Johnston is a Kentuckian by birth, born in 1849. He was reared to manhood in his native State and after acquiring a fair education in the common schools supplemented this by a course in college at Columbia, Ky., and in 1872 took a complete course in Leddin's Business Col- lege, Memphis, Tenn., graduating therefrom in October, 1872. Immediately after he came to Marianna and for some time acted as book-keeper for the mercantile firm of Jarratt & Rodgers, serv- ing them in this capacity until 1877. Also during this time from 1884 he had a half interest in the mercantile firm of Johnston & Foreman, in Mari- anna, keeping the books and attending to the financial part of the business. When the two firms consolidated, the styles being then changed to Jarratt, Rodgers & Co. and Johnston, Fore- man & Co., he was an equal partner in both houses. Unlike the majority of the young men of the present day he judiciously saved his money and in the investment of the same he has shown excellent judgment, and in every respect de- serves the reputation he has acquired as a success- ful business man. He not only owns a one-half interest in the mercantile firm, but also some of the most valuable property in the city, consisting of a two-story brick store building, a valuable residence and other real estate in the business portion. He is an active worker for the upbuilding of the town and county, and has done much to assist in elimi- nating the whisky traffic from Marianna. He is the fire insurance agent of Marianna, representing eight of the best fire insurance companies; is an active member and official of the Methodist Church and the Royal Arcanum, a K. of H., a K. & L. of H., a commissioner of accounts for Lee County, and also belongs to the I. O. G. T. He was mar- ried in 1875 at Austin, Miss., to Miss Mollie F. Grove, and by her has two children living: Mary E. and Sarah A. He was married the second time at Brownsville, Tenn., to Miss Nita Mann, his present wife, and by her has one child: Willie Webster. J. B. Grove, the junior member of the above-named firm, was born in West Tennessee in

1849, and made his home in that State several years as salesman in a dry-goods store until about twenty years ago, when he came to Marianna, Ark., and acted as book-keeper and salesman for J. E. Wood in a general mercantile business until 1876. Wood failing in business he accepted a position as salesman for Jarratt & Rodgers, and in 1877 be- came a partner in the firms of Jarratt, Rodgers & Co. and Johnston, Foreman & Co., now Johnston & Grove. He is an excellent man of business, shrewd, honest and capable, and, like Mr. John- ston, has made all his money in Lee County. He is unmarried.

H. M. Jones, recognized as one of the well-to- do and enterprising farmers and stock raisers of In- dependence Township, was born in Limestone County, Ala. His father, Kimbrough Jones, was also a native of Alabama, and was married in 1846, to Evaline Weatherford, who bore him eight chil- dren: Sally (Mrs. J. P. Farrel, of Marianna), Betty (Mrs. Beauchamp, now dead), Margaret (the wife of J. D. Brown, of Marianna), Fannie (now the wife of Mr. Beauchamp, of Marianna), Emma (deceased), S. W., Dixie (Mrs. Harden) and H. M. (the subject of this sketch). Mr. Jones was a successful farmer, and in 1868 moved to Arkan- sas, settling in Lee County, where his death oc- curred two years later. Mrs. Jones is now living with her children in Marianna, and is a member of many years' standing of the Methodist Church. Mr. Jones settled the land owned by his father and which is now operated by him. After the father's death he assumed charge of his mother's family and the management of her estate, where his intuitive sense and excellent business qualifica- tions were given a wide scope. His farm consists of 100 acres of valuable land, with eighty acres un - der cultivation, and bears evidence of careful and unceasing attention. In his political belief he is a Democrat.

Hiram C. Kellam, not unknown throughout this region, commenced life for himself at the age of thirteen, being employed as a farm hand, but on the death of his father, two years later, he served an apprenticeship with a leading blacksmith of his native county (Davis County, Ky.), and became

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a finished workman. After working at his trade in Illinois, he came to Arkansas and located at Moro, Lee County (then Monroe County), where he followed his adopted calling for some time. Afterward he purchased a farm, and has since fol- lowed that occupation. He was born September 4, 1851, being a son of Elisha J. and Lucinda (Kelley) Kellam, also Kentuckians by birth. E. J. Kellam was a minister of the Methodist Episco- pal Church, South, and also carried on farming. During the war he was taken by the Federals and carried to Indiana, on account of his Southern principles and sympathy with the Confederate cause and died in that State in March, 1866. His wife died in 1862 at the age of fifty-two years. They were the parents of eight children, two of whom only are now living, the principal of this sketch, and Albert J., a farmer residing in the State of Texas. Mr. Kellam was married on Feb- ruary 27, 1876, to Miss Julia I. Boykin, of Johnson, County, N. C., and a daughter of Elmore and Jane E. (Jones) Boykin, originally from Virginia and North Carolina, respectively, both of whom are deceased, the former dying in 1867 and the latter in 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Kellam have a family of five children; Albert B., Hiram C., Lucinda, David H., and William L. and one deceased. Mr. Kel- lam owns a farm of 120 acres, with about sixty acres under cultivation, which he devotes princi- pally to the raising of stock, having a large num- ber of cattle, horses and hogs. He also owns and operates a large steam grist-mill and cotton-gin, erected at a cost of about $1,500. He is a strong Democrat and takes an active interest in politics, and has held the office of deputy sheriff of the county for the past twelve years. He is a member of the K. of P. and of the Masonic order, and be- longs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, of which his wife is also a member.

John Lee, farmer and blacksmith, of Hardy Township, is a native of Indiana, and a son of Jonathan and Deborah (Britian) Lee. Jonathan Lee was born in Mercer County, Ky., in 1793, in which State he lived until after his marriage, learning the trade of blacksmithing. Soon after his marriage he removed to Washington County,

Ind., and when the principal of this sketch was about one year old, went to Jackson County, where he died on July 16, 1862. He was a son of Will- iam Lee, of Irish descent, and a cooper and farmer by occupation. He was a native of Mercer County, Ky., and died in Washington County, Ind. Mrs. Lee came originally from West Virginia and died in Jackson County, Ind., in 1867, at the age of seventy-four. She was a member of the Baptist Church, as was also her husband, being a daughter of Samuel Britain, a native of Virginia, who died in Washington County, Ind., at the age of ninety- seven. John Lee was the youngest son in a family of eight children, four of whom are still living, the eldest son, Samuel, two daughters, and our sub- ject. The latter was born in Washington County, Ind., in 1832. He was married in 1851, to Ludia Chilcott, who was born in Jackson County, Ind., in 1825. Her parents were John and Rachel (Robertson) Chilcott, the former a native of Vir- ginia, removed to Jackson County, Ind., where he was married and made his home the rest of his life, dying in 1848. He was a son of Eli Chilcott, of Pennsylvania, who removed to Virginia after his marriage, and died in Hardy County, that State. Mrs. Chilcott was also of Virginia birth, and died in 1835. She was a daughter of Blaze and Han- nah (Hutchinson) Robertson. Mr. Robertson was born in England, the son of an English nobleman. He left home at the age of seventeen and came to America against his parents' wishes, and, having no money, though possessed of a good education, he contracted the wages which he would receive for his duties as a teacher, his chosen calling, for seven years, to pay his passage to the United States; after four years' service he was released from his contract. He then settled in Virginia, where he made his home the balance of his life. His wife, after the death of her husband, moved to Indiana, where she died. They were the parents of a large family of children, who were among the pioneer families of Jackson County, Ind. One of the daughters married a Mr. Hamilton, the first repre- sentative from that county, in the State legisla- ture. Mr. and Mrs. Lee had five children, two sons and three daughters, all of whom survive:

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Jonathan R. (a resident of Phillips County), Han- nah E. (wife of S. B. Eaks), Lydia A. (wife of W. B. Jones), Sarah M. (wife of C. T. Payne) and William Samuel. Mr. Lee enlisted in January, 1865, in Company C of the One Hundred and Forty-fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in which he served until the close of the war. He lived in Jackson County, Ind., until 1870, when he came to Arkansas and settled in what is now Lee County. Two years later he settled on his present farm, consisting of half a section of land, of which sixty-five acres are under a high state of cultiva- tion, and all made since coming to this State. He is a prominent Democrat and takes an interest in the political affairs of the day. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church.

Julius Lesser, treasurer of Lee County, was born in Prussia in 1853, and emigrated to Amer- ica in 1867, locating first in Memphis, Tenn., where he was employed as a clerk. In 1870 he came to Arkansas, and was employed in that occupation at Forrest City until 1875, then entering into business for himself at Marianna. In 1884 he sold out his store, and became engaged in the banking busi- ness, which he still continues. Shortly after dis- posing of his mercantile interest he bought it back, and associated with his brother as partner, the lat- ter now having the management of the store. Mr. Lesser gives his attention to his banking business and official duties. He has held, with great satis- faction, the office of county treasurer for five con- secutive years, having served first by appointment to fill an unexpired term, and afterward being elected. He and his brother enjoy a large patron- age in their store, handling sixty per cent of all the cotton grown in the neighborhood, which they ship direct to the spinners, and not to commission men, as is the general custom. Mr. Lesser is a stockholder and director in the First National Bank of Helena, also a stockholder in another bank of that city, and one in Memphis, Tenn., and, in addition, is a stockholder in a large lumber com- pany. He was married to Miss Lenora Raphaels, by which marriage two children were born: Harry and Blanche .. Mr. Lesser is also largely interested in real estate in the city, owning several business

blocks, including the one in which his bank is situated, and pays taxes on $35,000 to $40,000 worth of real estate. He participates actively in promoting all public enterprises; is a member of the Masonic order, in which he has taken the de- gree of Royal Arch Mason, and is also a member of the Knights of Honor.

John Carrol Lynch was born on a farm which was then in St. Francis County, now a part of Lee County, in 1848, being a son Byant Lynch, who was born in this State in 1818, and Eliza (Davis) Lynch, of Kentucky origin, born in 1825. The principal of this sketch has spent his whole life in this county, but as his help was needed on his father's farm, his educational advantages in youth were very limited. He was married, in 1873, to Miss Lou A. Rogers, who was the mother of two daughters, one, Annie L., still living. Mr. Lynch owns 1,400 acres of land, 700 acres of which are cleared and a large part of it under cultivation. He raises very little cotton, but devotes most of his time and labor to the raising of stock, which he finds more profitable. He is a life-long Demo-, crat and uses all means in his power to advance the interests of his party. He is a member of the Masonic order. His wife belongs to the Baptist Church. Mr. Lynch is one of the prominent and well-known men of Lee County. He has never had a sick day in ten years, nor taken a dose of medi- cine in that time, and during the last ten years he has increased in weight from 156 to 254 pounds.

Capt. George Marchbanks, planter, Marianna, Ark. Of that sturdy and independent class, the farmers of Arkansas, none are possessed of more genuine merit and a stronger character than he whose name stands at the head of this sketch. He has risen to a more than ordinary degree of success in his calling, and wherever known, he is conceded to be an energetic and progressive tiller of the soil, imbued with all those qualities of go-ahead-ative- ness which have characterized his ancestors. He owes his nativity to Middle Tennessee, where his birth occurred on May 25, 1839, and is the son of Judge A. J. Marchbanks, of Warren County, Tenn. The father was a well-educated gentleman, had read law and was a legal practitioner all his life.

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His father educated him and then disinherited him, and sent him forth to fight his own way in life. He was circuit judge of his district for more than thirty years, and was occupying that position at the breaking out of the war. He was kept a pris- oner at Camp Chase, Ohio, during this eventful period, and when peace was declared he was offered the position of judge again. He died in the fall or winter of 1866. The mother was born in Mc- Minnville, Tenn., and was a daughter of George and Elizabeth (Kenion) Savage. She died at the age of twenty-nine years, leaving five children. Capt. George Marchbanks attained his growth in Tennessee, and was sent as a cadet to West Point, to the Federal Military School. He was appointed by old Col. Savage, while the latter was in Con- gress, and remained at the school until the break- ing out of the war. On April 1, 1861, he went South, and entered the Sixteenth Tennessee Regi- ment as adjutant. He was in the regular Confed- erate service, commanded a company, and served with the Sixteenth one year as first lieutenant. He was on Gen. Bragg's staff until late in 1862, and commanded Company K, in the Twenty-fifth Ten- nessee. After the campaign he was on Gen. John- ston's staff for some time, and was also on Gen. Bragg's staff for a year. He was with Maj. - Gen. B. Johnston in Virginia, was at Drury's Bluff and at the siege of Petersburg. After that campaign he was sent with his command up around Rich- mond, and subsequently to Wheeler's command. Later he came to Tennessee on a furlough, and was captured there, and remained in prison until the close of the war. After this he engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1870, when he came to what was then Phillips (now Lee) County, and there has tilled the soil ever since. He was a member of the legislature in 1881 and 1882. In 1883 he married Mrs. Freeman, whose maiden name was Julia Sterdivant. Mr. Marchbanks is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is the owner of 1,500 acres of land, and is also the owner of considerable town property.

George J. Mathews. Among the enterprising and prospering farmers and stock raisers of Lee County, none are more worthy of mention than

George J. Mathews. He is a son of Burel and Piney (Whittaker) Mathews, and was born in Pitt County, N. C., December 24, 1820. Burel Math- ews was a native of North Carolina, and followed. the occupation of farming all his life. He was married in that State in 1818, to Miss Whittaker, and to their union six children were born, two now living: George J. and Roderick. Those deceased are: Richard F., William Miza A., Henry and one unnamed. Both Mr. Mathews and wife are dead. George J. Mathews first began to "paddle his own canoe" at the age of eighteen, accepting a position as overseer on a large plantation. He was mar- ried in 1841 to Miss Mary Crawford, of Martin County, N. C., who bore him four children, one living: George R. Mary A., P. A., and Elisha are deceased. Mrs. Mathews died in 1858, a mem- ber of many years standing in the Methodist Church. Mr. Mathews was married in 1862 to Mrs. Lydia Brooks, the widow of Amsley Brooks. She is a daughter of Franklin and Lydia Maye, of Tennessee, and was born in 1827. To the mar- riage of Mr. and Mrs. Mathews four children have been given: Marietta (the wife of Allen Wall), Kelson O., Epson J. and William F. (deceased). Mr. Mathews immigrated to Arkansas from North Carolina in 1852, settling in St. Francis County. He now owns 160 acres of good land, with 115 im- proved, the principal crop being corn and cotton. He has acted as marshal of St. Francis County for the past twelve years and has served as justice of the peace for six years. He is a member of the Methodist Church, having joined that denomina- tion over twenty years ago. Politically he is a Democrat. Mrs. Mathews is a Baptist in her religious belief, and belongs to that church.

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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