USA > Arkansas > Biographical and historical memoirs of northeast Arkansas : comprising a condensed history of the state biographies of distinguished citizens a brief descriptive history of the counties, and numerous biographical sketches of the prominent citizens of such counties. V. 2 > Part 13
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Elisha Sawyer. The father of our subject, 35
He was a member of the Masonic fraternity. His wife departed this life in 1865. Elisha Sawyer attended the common schools for a short time, learned the details of farm work on his father's farm, and after the close of the Rebellion began farming for himself. When the mutterings of war began to be heard throughout the land, he espoused the cause of the Confederacy, and joined Capt. Fletcher's company, participating in the battle of Shiloh, in which engagement he was wounded three times. He was sent to the hospi- tal, being shortly after discharged, and returned home. After farming with his father for two years, he bought a piece of land which he began to improve, and in 1881 purchased a farm of 160 acres on Clear Lake, which he cleared, and made
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HISTORY OF ARKANSAS.
his home until the winter of 1889, when he moved to his present place of abode. At the death of his father he inherited one half of the old homestead, amounting to 140 acres, and with what he has purchased his lands comprise 500 acres, with 130 under the plow. He has a good orchard on his old Clear Lake farm. and says his fruit is of choice varieties. Miss Missouri A. Chisum, a native of Tennessee, became his wife in 1864, and to them were given two children, of whom one is dead- Rebecca. Mrs. Sawyer and daughter are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
William H. Scarboro. It is an undeniable truth that the life of any man is of great benefit to the community in which he resides, when all his efforts are directed toward advancing its interests, and who lives according to the highest principles of what he conceives to be right, helping others, and caring for those who are unable to do for them- selves. Mr. Scarboro is one of these men. He was born in Tennessee in 1856, being the third of eight children of Calvin R. and Mary J. (Hodges) Scarboro, who were also Tennesseeans, where the father carried on the business of a saddler and farmer. He is still residing in that State, his home being at Mifflin. William H. Scarboro received the advantages of the common schools in his youth, and was an intelligent and studious pupil. Al- though he was reared a farmer's boy, he has never given that occupation his attention until within the last year, since which time he has entered upon that calling with a perseverance that can not fail of favorable results. At the age of twenty-one he secured the United States mail contracts in Hen- derson County, of which he was deputy sheriff and constable for five years, and was married there Sep- tember 30, 1879, to Miss Ada A. Clay, a native of that State. In 1882, under the impression that he could better his fortunes, he came to Arkansas, settling at Blythesville, where he engaged as a clerk for Richardson & Triplett, with whom he remained until 1884, when he embarked in business on his own responsibility, and successfully conducted a general mercantile establishment for two years. The two following years were spent ,at carpenter- ing, in the "Lone Star State." but in the winter
of 1888 he returned to Mississippi County, Ark., where he purchased a farm embracing 280 acres of land, and since that time has attended to his adopted profession with care and perseverance, and is now in possession of a competence which has more than realized his most sanguine expectations. He is one of the representative young men of the county. and will, without doubt, be among the foremost men of his times. He and wife became the parents of four children: Nellie Lorance, Ellie Lee (de- ceased), Willie Harris and Mary Ethel.
Samuel Spencer Semmes, eldest son of Admiral Raphael and Ann E. (Spencer) Semmes, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, March 4, 1838. While a youth he received his education at the Jesuit College (Spring Hill), near Mobile, Ala., from which in- stitution he graduated in 1855. He was reared in South Alabama, and was admitted to the bar in Washington County, of that State, in 1859, sub. sequently graduating at the law school in New Or- . leans, La., in 1860, in which city he was residing and practicing his profession when the war broke out. True to his convictions, he enlisted in the Confederate service, as second lieutenant in the First Regiment of Louisiana Infantry (regulars), commanded by the late Gen. A. H. Gladden, and was promoted to the rank of captain. He went through the war under Gen. Bragg, in the Army of the Tennessee, and was a participant in the bat- tles of Shiloh, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Mis- sionary Ridge, Atlanta. etc. At the close of the war he engaged in agricultural pursuits in South Alabama, and in the practice of law. which he con- tinued until 1874; then he removed to Mississippi County, Ark., where he has since resided, occupied in the practice of his profession. He was elected county judge in 1882, and held the office one term. Mr. Semmes was married to Miss Pauline Semmes. a daughter of the late Gen. Paul J. Semmes, of Columbus, Ga. (who was killed at the battle of Gettysburg), in 1863, and the fruits of this union are five children, three sons. Paul J .. Raphael and Oliver, and two daughters. Mary and Anna. The first two named are living in Osceola, Ark., and Oliver is at Macon. Ga., where he is studying for the priesthood as a Jesuit. Mr. Semmes lost his
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MISSISSIPPI COUNTY.
wife in 1877, and his second marriage took place in 1881, to his present wife, who was originally Miss Frances H. Morris, daughter of the late Rev. F. C. Morris, a Presbyterian minister of Osceola, Ark. To this union were born three children:
Spencer. Frank Morris, and Catherine. Mr. Semmes' home, just outside the town of Osceola, is one of the most comfortable and attractive in Northeast Arkansas, and is a fine example of what can be accomplished in the way of ornament and usefulness by a little taste and industry. His father was the late Admiral Raphael Semmes, of Confederate fame, whose ancestors came to Ameri- ca with Lord Baltimore, and settled in Maryland. Admiral Semmes entered the United States Navy as a lad of fourteen, where he remained until he resigned his commission, to take part in the late war, in behalf of the Confederates. At that time he was commander, and on duty at Washington as a member of the lighthouse board. His career as commander of the Confederate States steamers "Sumter" and "Alabama" have already become a matter of history. The mother of the subject of this sketch is a daughter of the late Rev. Oliver M. Spencer, of Cincinnati, Ohio, whose father re- moved to that place as one of the pioneer settlers from Elizabeth, N. J., in the latter part of the last century. Mrs. Semmes (the mother) resides in Mobile, Ala. Capt. Semmes is the eldest of six children born to his parents. His eldest brother, Oliver J. Semmes, and eldest sister, Mrs. Colston, reside in Mobile, Ala. His next two sisters, Mrs. Luke E. Wright and Mrs. Charles B. Bryan, and youngest brother, Raphael Semmes, live in Mem- phis, Tenn. It is not strange that during the years of Capt. Semmes' residence in Mississippi County, he should have become one of its best known and most valued citizens. Gifted by nature with an indomitable spirit of perseverance, and a refined taste, a thorough and complete collegiate education expanded these, teaching him to see a beauty and harmony in nature, while the study of law and the practice of that profession illustrated by many valuable examples the study of mankind. It was with an education thus completed, and a fortune shattered in the Civil War, as qualifications for
future usefulness, that he turned his steps toward Mississippi County. Here, amid an impoverished population, and where strife and turmoil reigned for many years, fortune was hard to win, and many trials lay beside his path; yet, from the first, his ability, moral courage, purity and truth of charac- ter were recognized by all. His indomitable will soon won him a leading place at the Osceola bar. while his election to the office of county judge was an unsought expression of the people's confidence and esteem. The economy in the administration of the county affairs during his term of office, in which time the court-house was erected under his supervision, was the redeemed pledge of his faithful- ness and care. Now, as the years are rolling by, a glance at the home life of Capt., or Judge, Semmes, as he is familiarly called, would reveal a pleasant cottage, which his horticultural tastes have literally surrounded with ornamental plants and flowers, an interesting family, presided over by Mrs. Semmes, a lady of education, with many refined and pleasing graces, happy children, whose merriment dashes across the path of troubled life like sunshine through the rift of drifting clouds. And so, amid an atmos- phere of peace, respected and esteemed by all, diligently pursuing his professional duties, while perhaps finding greater pleasure during his leisure hours in the cultivation of his garden. and the adornment of his home, the subject of this sketch (and of the accompanying portrait) passes his days, receiving the well-earned praises of his fellow men.
Raphael Semmes, second son of S. S. Semmes [see sketch ], was born in Mobile, Ala., in the year 1867, and is one of the promising young business men of the county. He attended the public schools of O ceola but a short time, and while still a small boy secured employment in a baker's shop, at very small pay. and there remained for six months. At about sixteen years of age he went to Pecan Point. where he engaged as clerk for L. A. Morris, and continued in that capacity for one year. He then came to Osceola, and worked with N. L. Avery as clerk in a subordinate capacity, and at a small sal- ary. His capabilities were recognized, and he was advanced year by year, and in 1888 was admitted
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HISTORY OF ARKANSAS.
in the business as a partner under the firm title of N. L. Avery & Co. Mr. Semmes chose Miss Lulu Sullivan for his companion during the changing scenes of life, and was united in marriage to her on June 6, 1888. She was born in Mississippi County, and is the daughter of one of the old set- tlers of this county. This union has been blessed by the birth of one child, Norman L. The fam- ily are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Semmes' life, as may be seen, is an example of per- severance, industry and energy; rising under unfa- vorable circumstances as far as education and home assistance are concerned, he has shown by his grad- ual advancement, step by step, that he possesses business capacity of an unusually high order. Now, as a partner in a large store, the future has rich promises for him.
J. M. E. Sisk is a man well known to the early settlers of Mississippi County, Ark., and is re- spected for his straightforward course through life, and beloved by all for his noble, Christian qualities of mind and heart. His birth occurred in Jackson County, Ala., in 1833, he being the third of eight children born to Willis Sisk and Frances (Money) Sisk, who were originally from North Carolina. The father was a farmer and mechanic, and died in Alabama in 1873, followed by his wife in 1886. The knowledge that J. M. E. Sisk acquired was only such as could be learned on the home farm, for his school days only amounted to about thirteen months. At the age of nineteen years he com- menced a mercantile career in Tennessee, but one year later abandoned this occupation to take up farming in his native State, which received his attention until 1856. Two years later he came to Mississippi County, Ark., and settled in Chicka- sawba Township, where he purchased eighty acres of land, on which he erected a house, added other improvements, and made his home until 1869, be- ing one of the well-known and respected residents of the community. At the latter date he purchased another farm, which embraced 160 acres, which by industry and good management he soon made into a pleasant home, but in 1882 he sold this farm also. Since that time he has resided'on a 140. acre farm on North Chickasawba, where he has
erected good fences and a residence, and has one of the best orchards in the county. In the spring of 1889 he started a grocery store in Blythesville, and by his agreeable and pleasant manners, and fair dealing, he is securing a good patronage. He entered the Confederate service in 1863, Capt. Barton's company, and served in the Trans-Missis- sippi Department, participating in the battle of Helena. He was sent home in July, 1884, and did not again enter the service. In 1875 he was ap- pointed constable of Chickasawba Township by the Governor, and was afterward elected to the office, serving in all about nine years. He has also been school director six years, and assisted in organizing the school districts and churches. He was married in 1853, while a resident of Alabama, to Miss Nancy L. Temple, of that State, and to them have been given the following children: James P., who is married and lives in the county; Hiram W., also married and residing in St. Francis County; John W., married and residing in Chickasawba; Jesse D., married and making his home in Osceola; Evan W., Benoni, Frances (widow of Thomas Perry), Sarah (deceased), Susa (wife of B. J. Rook), Charlotte, Roberta (deceased) and Alice. Seven of the family are members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church.
Carroll L. Smith. In the early settlement of Arkansas, and among the families who were closely identified with its material affairs and associated with its progress and development, were the Smiths. A respected representative of this family is found in the subject of this sketch, who was born in Tennessee in 1839, and in 1841 was brought to Mississippi County, Ark., by his parents, James M. and Edna (Jones) Smith, who were born, reared and married in North Carolina, removing shortly after the latter event to East Tennessee, and still later to West Tennessee, and thence to Arkansas. After coming to the latter State they resided for nearly two years on Mill Bayou, where they landed in 1845, and in 1847 removed to Clear Lake, set- tling on a tract of 157 acres. At that time there were only three families on the Lake, and there were not more than twenty acres under cultivation. Mr. Smith began at once to make improvements in the
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way of clearing land and building, and made his home on this property until his death, in 1864, at the age of fifty-three years; the mother expiring the following year, aged about fifty-five years. Like so many of the substantial citizens of this county at the present time, he was initiated into the mysteries of farming from his earliest youth, and to this calling he has since given his attention. As there were no schools near his home until he was twelve years of age, his early educational advantages were very limited. When the mutter- ings of war began to be heard throughout the land he joined Capt. Fletcher's company, and was at the battle of Shiloh when that captain was killed. He also took part in the engagements at Mur- freesboro, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge, and in the Georgia campaign. He was cap- tured at Franklin, Tenn., and was kept a prisoner until the close of the war, when he returned home and resumed the peaceful pursuit of farming. In 1868 he sold the old homestead and bought his present home farm of 160 acres, now owning in all 400 acres with 160 under the plow. On this place he has a good residence and outbuildings, and near the house is an extensive orchard of choice varieties of fruit. He votes with the Democratic party, and in the various affairs of the county he exerts an influence which is felt by all, being particularly active in supporting the cause of education. He has been married three times, the first time in October, 1860, to Miss Mary Ann Renfro, who died in 1862, leaving one child, which also soon died. He then remained a widower until 1870, at which date he wedded Miss Mary E. Murry, a native of Mississippi County, her death occurring in 1883. Three children blessed this union: Will- iam, Norah and Rebecca. In 1884 his marriage to Miss Amanda Langley was consummated, and by her he has also had three children: Iona, Albert Sidney Johnson and Grover Cleveland. Mr. Smith has one of the finest places in the county, and has surrounded his home with many conveniences and comforts. His farm is rapidly increasing in value under his able management, and he is looked upon as one of the leading agri- culturists of this section.
Thomas H. Starling, a gentleman who has won the confidence and respect of his neighbors since his arrival at Cross Bayou, was born in Columbia County, Ark., in 1851, and is a farmer by occupa- tion. He is the eldest child of John W. and Sallie Ann (Hood) Starling, natives of North Carolina and Tennessee, respectively, who came to Arkansas at an early period. The father was a prosperous farmer until the outbreak of war, when he gave up his home and family to take up the cause of the Con- federacy. He fought gallantly in some of the noted battles now portrayed in the pages of his- tory, until he received his discharge on account of ill health. In 1863, he removed with his family to the northern part of Missouri, and remained there until 1866; but thinking the outlook along the Mississippi River more promising in which to re- build his shattered fortune, he placed his family and possessions on a flat-boat, and spent one year on the river looking for a suitable location. He finally settled in Mississippi County, where the father and son together bought 100 acres of land on Cross Bayou, in which place there were but few settlers at that time, and immediately began improving and cultivating his purchase. The land was then in a wild state, but since then they have added to it, and now have about 350 acres cleared and fenced. Thomas owned fifty acres himself, and in 1886, he bought his father's tract, upon which there were about twenty acres under cultivation. The land will easily average three- quarters of a bale of cotton to the acre, and, in ad- dition to this, he has forty head of fine cattle, and pronounces this section to be a splendid cattle range-a piece of information which may be of in- terest to farmers in other portions of the State. His first marriage was with Miss Sarah Ratton, of this county, who lived but two years after their union, and died without leaving any children. His second wife, Mrs. Sarah Robinson, he married in 1876, an amiable widow lady, who bore four children: Jacob Wishy, Thomas Jefferson Will- iam Cornelius and Jesse Brooks. Mrs. Star- ling had three children by her former marriage: James Alfred, Mary L. and an infant, the two lat- ter deceased. The family are members of the
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Baptist Church, and Mr. Starling is a member of the Agricultural Wheel. He has also served two terms on the school board, and is a prominent man in his section.
George W. Stewart. Of Hickman County, Ky., nativity, Mr. Stewart, from the date of his birth, in 1830, has resided either in Kentucky or in Ar- kansas. Up to the age of fourteen, his days were spent in his native State, but he was not favored with much of an education. His father, Thomas Stewart, was married, after growing up, to Miss Nancy Jane Johnson, both of whom were Ken- tuckians, and followed the occupation of farming in their native State until their death, which oc- curred when George W. was a small lad. In 1845, the latter moved to Arkansas, and spent the first year and a half on Island No. 30, after which he came to Mississippi County, Ark., and lived above Osceola for a few years, engaged in the cord-wood business. He was married in 1855, to Miss Mary E. Boole, a native of Tennessee, and a daughter of one of the old settlers of this county. After his marriage, he came to Clear Lake, where he farmed on rented land for a few years. At that time the country was a wilderness, and Mr. Stewart had but few neighbors. In 1871 he bought a farm of eighty acres on Clear Lake, of which eighteen were under cultivation, and shortly after bought nearly 180 acres more, and now has a tract of 100 acres under cultivation. His land is favorably situated in a good community, and under favorable circum- stances, he can easily make a bale of cotton to the acre, and from fifty to sixty bushels of corn. On this farm are to be seen large numbers of cattle, of which he makes a specialty. His union with Miss Boole has been blessed in the birth of seven chil- dren: James, who died at the age of twenty-five years; Virginia, who died in 1888; George, who died in 1874; Sallie, wife of Jesse Deason; and Robert, Lucy and Ollie, who reside with their parents.
A. L. Tansil, a true type of the progressive farmer and enterprising merchant, was born in Dyer County, Tenn., in 1845. He is the eldest in a family of seven children born to John B. and Nancy (Finly) Tansil, of Tennessee, where the
father was a well-known farmer who died in 186S, the mother soon following him. In early youth Mr. Tansil had few educational advantages, but attended school for several years after the war. On reaching maturity he began life as a farmer, and though still following that occupation, he es- tablished a store which was the first place of busi- ness in what is now the thriving town of Finley, Tenn. His business grew to considerable propor- tions under his judicious management, and in ad- dition to it he built a cotton-gin which gave an impe- tus to the place, and soon the town of Finley grew and became an active, busy trading center. In 1874, thinking to better his then prosperous con- dition, and always on the lookout for more promis- ing fields, he moved to the State of Missouri, and from there to Texas, remaining, however. only one year in the latter place, and then returned to Fin- ley. Here he formed a partnership with an uncle, A. Finley, under the firm name of A. Fin- ley & Co., and continued in commercial life under these conditions for two years, when his spirit of independence prompted him to seek other fields, and he again turned his attention to Texas. In that State he did not find as favorable an open- ing as he had hoped for, and believing that he had passed over a better country on his way, he turned backward and settled in Mississippi County, Ark. Here he located on Mill Bayou, and commenced farming with great success, and two years after started the first business house at this point. He started a small store, which, from the first, was a pronounced success and grew rapidly from year to year until the spring of 1885, when his in- creased trade demanded larger quarters, and he built an extensive store. filling it with a com- plete and judiciously assorted stock of general merchandise. The star of Mr. Tansil's success seemed to be shining the brightest at this period. when, without any warning, the results of bis many years' patient toil and industry were swept away by fire on the night of December 5, 1885. His new store with its recently accumulated stock, several bales of cotton, and a large crib containing over 1,000 bushels of corn, were burned to the ground. This misfortune rendered him almost
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