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 29

Author:
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Chicago, Nashville, St. Louis : The Goodspeed Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1044

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 29

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County, Ky., and Peter K., who represents this sketch. The latter passed his youthful days in assisting on the farm, and in attending the com- mon schools of Henry County, Tenn. At the age of eighteen years he began learning the cabinet- maker's trade, and spent the succeeding five years engaged in this vocation. After this he worked at the carpenter and millwright trades, but conducted his farm all the time. In November, 1856, he sold his land in Tennessee, and came to Arkansas, where he purchased his present farm, then 160 acres, with thirty acres cleared, and with some very poor buildings on it. After this he bought and improved land until he had 530 acres. Since that time he has settled his two sons on farms of his own, but reserved for himself 240 acres as the home place. He has cleared over 200 acres of land, and has now on his home place 140 acres in a high state of cultivation. He has one of the best farms in Black River Township, if not in In- dependence County. Good buildings, fences and orchards adorn his property, and beautiful flowers make his home very attractive. Mr. Baker has been twice married; first, in November, 1842, while in West Tennessee, he led to the altar Miss Elizabeth Browning, a native of South Carolina. Five children were born to this union: Alonzo S., born July 10, 1843, and died in the war, in 1863; Melissa L. was born on the 10th of March, 1844, and died on the 14th of September, 1869; Eras- mus F. was born on the 13th of December, 1846, is married and lives in the Lone Star State; Will- iam L. was born on the 13th of December, 1849, and died on the 10th of June, 1855; Angus C. was born on the 26th of January, 1853, is mar- ried, and lives on his own farm, adjoining his father's place; he is a prosperous farmer, and is also engaged in the profession of teaching. Mrs. Baker departed this life in September, 1878. She was a good wife, a fond and loving mother, and a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In November, 1879, . Mr. Baker was again married, taking for his second wife Mrs. Nancy L. (Cleveland) Parks, widow of Ambrose Parks, a farmer of Indiana. No children were born to this union. Since his residence in Arkan- 1

; sas Mr. Baker has been principally engaged in tilling the soil, although for five years after the late war he ran a steam gin and grist-mill on his farm. In 1871 he was severely injured by a fall from a wagon, and this prevented him from doing much work. After this he sold his milling interest, bought a stock of goods, and, in connection with his farm, carried on merchandising until 1877. He was also appointed postmaster. At the above- mentioned date he sold his store, but retained the postoffice until 1888. Since then he has given his attention exclusively to agricultural pursuits. In 1856 Mr. Baker was elected justice of the peace, and transacted the business incumbent upon that office in a creditable and satisfactory manner until 1862, when military authority usurped the reins of government, thus throwing civil officers out. In 1874 he was elected to the same office, and served two years. In 1880 he was re-elected for two years. Mr. Baker came to this settlement at a time when there were very few people in Black River Township, only 100 voters in the township, and only two stores in Batesville, but recently started, and one in Sulphur Rock. Jacksonport was the nearest market of any importance, and wild game was plentiful. Abundance of good water is on his farm, and mineral of some kind (likely iron) underlies a part of the timber portion. During the late war Mr. Baker remained at home unharmed, on account of his mechanical skill as a millwright, and owing to his peaceable disposition: and in compliance with a petition signed by a large number of both parties, asking that he might remain at home. When the State considered the question of secession Mr. Baker voted that it remain in the Union, but, being defeated in this particular, and being left in the South, his sym- pathies were with the Confederacy. He main- tained his opinions, slept with unlocked doors and answered all calls from both armies in person. Notwithstanding, the devastating hand of war grasped all his personal property, and he was left at the terminus of the war as though just starting in life. He holds no prejudice against either party, but votes with the Democrats. He does not take an active part in politics. His first presi-

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INDEPENDENCE COUNTY.

dential vote was for James K. Polk. He was never a slave-owner. Mr. and Mrs. Baker are church members, he a Methodist, and she a Bap- tist, and the former a trustee of his church, also having filled the position of steward in the same for years. He is a Royal Arch Mason, and a member of Dota Lodge.

Francis M. Baker, merchant, Desha, Inde- pendence County, Ark. Among the prosperous enterprises in Desha is that of Francis M. Baker, general merchant, of that beautiful and prosperous town. He owes his nativity to Independence County, Ark., where he was born on the 14th of October, 1842, and is the son of John Baker [see sketch elsewhere]. Francis M. Baker passed his youth in his native county, and received his edu- cation in the neighborhood schools. During the late conflict he was in several prominent battles, that of Perryville and Chickamauga, and in the latter serious battle was severely wounded. He selected for his life companion Miss D. A. Steward, of Independence County, and was united in mar- riage to her on the 18th day of January, 1871. They have an interesting family of nine children, Annie C., Augusta, John R., Jennie, Marion, Delia, Ernest, Lulu and George. Mr. Baker is the owner of ninety acres of valuable land, but his principal occupation is merchandising. He is a Mason in good standing, being a member of Neill Lodge, Independence County, Ark., and has been a member of this organization for twen- ty-three years. He is a stanch Democrat, and has voted that ticket for the past twenty-five years. He also takes a great interest in public affairs.

David L. Baker, farmer and stock raiser, Jamestown, Ark. Still a young man, Mr. Baker has risen to a position in agricultural affairs in this county which many older in years and opportuni- ties might envy. He is a citizen whom Independ- ence County is proud to claim as one of her sons, having been born here November 6, 1851. He is of good old Tennessee stock, the son of John and Annie (Beeler) Baker, both of whom were born : in that State. The parents came to Arkansas in 1839, were among the very earliest settlers, and are still residing on their farm, in Independence ary, 1889. Mrs. Baker died on the 24th of No-

County, respected and esteemed by all. There has been but one death, and that by accident, on the father's place during the forty-nine years he has lived there. David L. Baker received a thorough education in the private schools of In- dependence County, and remained under the pa- rental roof until his marriage, which occurred in Independence County, on the 22d of September, 1874, to Miss Annie J. Pate. Three children are the fruits of this union: John Henry, Margie Lee and Robert Franklin. Mr. Baker is the owner of 203 acres of valuable land in Independence County, and other valuable property. He is a Mason, be- longing to Neill Lodge, Jamestown, and also a member of the Methodist Church, as is his wife. In his political views he affiliates with the Demo- cratic party.

Angus C. Baker, farmer and stock raiser. This gentleman, one of the progressive young farmers of the county, was originally from Henry County, Tenn., where his birth occurred on the 26th of January, 1853. His father, Peter K. Baker, is well known throughout the county as one of its representative citizens. [See sketch on previous page. ] Brought up as an agriculturist it was but natural that Angus C. Baker should permanently adopt that calling as his life occupation. He re- ceived a good practical education in the common schools of Independence County, Ark., and later attended Washington high school, near Batesville, where he remained until 1876, and then entered Gardner's Academy, in Weakley County, Tenn., there taking a year's course. During the winter of 1876-77 he taught his first school, in Bayou Dota Academy, and since that time has taught both select and public schools in his own county. He has been twice married; first, September 15, 1878. to Miss Mary E. Best, daughter of William Best. a prominent farmer of Black River Township. Four children were born to this union, who are named as follows: Percy K., born September 15. 1879; Orville M. L. was born on the 13th of No- vember, 1881; Ernest E. was born on the 15th of October, 1884, and Roy C. was born on the 19th of November, 1888, and died on the 7th of Janu-

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vember, 1888. She was a loving wife and mother, and a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Baker's second marriage took place in December, 1888, to Miss Burrilla A. Best, sister of his first wife. His principal occupation has been that of farming, but, in connection with this, he has been engaged in mercantile pursuits. From 1880 to 1887 he carried on a general mercantile business on his farm, and at the same time acted as assistant postmaster. In the winter of 1887 he sold his store, and worked as a salesman for J. R. Bullington, of Sulphur Rock, until December 1st, when he entered the clerk's office at Batesville, and there remained until the spring of 1889. He then returned to his farm of 160 acres, with sixty acres under cultivation, a good orchard, and lately he has erected a nice residence. He votes with the Democratic party, but is not a political enthusiast. He and Mrs. Baker are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

C. M. Ball has long been associated with the agricultural interests of Independence County, Ark., the residents of which have had every op- portunity to judge of his character, for he was born here June 13, 1834, and naught can be said of him but to his credit. Eighty acres of his 219- acre farm are in an excellent state of cultivation, and his buildings and fences are in good repair, and his farm is well stocked. His father, B. F. Ball, was born in Loudoun County, Va., in 1807, and in that county he was reared to manhood and educated. In 1826 he moved to Arkansas, where he was married to Elizabeth Dillard, who was also born in North Carolina. They were married in 1832, and to this union were born fourteen children, seven being still living. Mr. Ball was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife by death, August 9, 1849, and he was afterwards wedded to Miss Mi- nerva Baker, of Virginia, and their marriage resulted in the birth of four children, only one being now alive. At the time of his death, June 24, 1889, he was the owner of 205 acres of land. He and wife were connected with the Methodist Church, and he was a member of the Masonic lodge. C. M. Ball, our subject, was educated in Independence County, near Batesville, and was there married

to Miss Nancy A. Anderson, a North Carolinian, their union taking place July 9, 1858. Two sons and four daughters were given them, the four daughters, only, being alive: Mary E., wife of J. B. Gray; Caledonia, wife of J. W. Meacham; Flora B., wife of W. T. Horne, and Emma, who is still at home. Like his father, Mr. Ball is a Mason, and he also belongs to the Agricultural Wheel, but has neglected to attend the latter or- ganization for some time. He is universally re- spected by his fellowmen, and is a man on whose word one can rely. He and family worship in the Methodist Church.

Warren G. Ball may be classed among the many successful agriculturists of Independence County, Ark. He was born in this county October 26, 1837, and there his early scholastic advantages were enjoyed, but only such as the common schools afforded. These opportunities he improved to the utmost, however, and his subsequent contact with business life, coupled with much reading, has tended to place him among the intelligent men of the county. After reaching mature years he united his fortunes with those of Miss Sarah A. Jackson, a Tennesseean by birth, and of a family of three sons and five daughters born to their marriage six are living and all reside with their parents: Tabitha, William L., Laura C., Julia, Agnes and Gracie. Mr. Ball's land, which amounts to 185 acres, is ex- ceedingly fertile and well located, and ninety acres are under the plow. All the buildings are in good condition, and the farm is well supplied with all necessary stock. In addition to this property, Mr. Ball also owns a grist-mill, which turns out an ex- cellent product. He is a Mason, and has been sec- retary of his lodge one year, and senior warden two years. He has always taken a deep interest in educational matters, and has held the office of school director five years, and is still filling the position. He has also been constable, and dis- charged the duties of this office to the satisfaction of those concerned. He and wife are members of the Methodist Church.

John F. Barnes, M. D., though only thirty- two years of age, is however, conceded to be one of the leading dentists of Independence County.

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He is a native of the county in which he now re- sides. When a child, he was taken by his parents to the State of Iowa, where his youthful days were spent in assisting on the home farm and in attend- ing the public schools, where he acquired a good practical education. In 1873, he returned with his people to Independence County, Ark., and in 1883 began the study of medicine under Dr. Moore, a traveling dentist, and remained with him until 1888, traveling over the State of Arkansas. In 1888 here turned to Sulphur Rock, where he has since made his home, and has acquired an excel- lent patronage. He is a married man, Miss L. Cora Hurt, of Independence County, becoming his wife on the 7th of April, 1886, she being the daughter of Thomas Hurt (deceased), one of the pioneers of the county. Dr. Barnes is a Republi- can in his political views, and is now filling the office of city marshal. His parents, Archibald and Lucinda (Mateby) Barnes, were born in Wilkes County, N. C., and were there reared, educated and married. Soon after the latter event, they came to Independence County, Ark., but subsequently moved to Iowa, where they remained until 1873, then returning to Arkansas. The father is still living, but the mother died February 6, 1883, at the age of fifty-nine years, eight months and twen- ty-five days. Mr. Barnes is a Mason, a Republi- can, and a successful farmer. He is probably of English ancestry. He and wife became the par- ents of the following family: Nancy (Reeves); William P., who died at Helena, Ark., while a soldier in the Union Army; Martha L. (Smith); Sarah H. (Harmon); G. W., who died in 1888, at the age of thirty-two years; Mary L. (Martin); Lucinda J., who died when a child, and John F.

trade, which occupation he followed for years. He subsequently engaged in tilling the soil, and has lived on the same farm for fifty years, residing within four miles of Gosport. In their family were twelve children, four only, now living: Louisa, wife of James Alverson; Richard P., Jesse M. and Jackson A. The father was married the second time, in February, 1859, and one child was born to this union, Lawrence, who is now at home. The maternal grandfather of J. M. Bartlett emi- grated to Indiana and located in what is now Owen County, then a territory adjoining the Indian Nation. He erected a house within half a mile of the Indian Nation line. He was a farmer by oc. cupation, and died in that county in his eighty- fourth year. The paternal grandfather died in Kentucky. J. M. Bartlett's youth and early man- hood were passed in his native county, and there he attended the schools which favored him with a good education. Reared to the arduous duties of the farm, he continued this pursuit until in Octo- ber, 1875, when he removed to Paris, Ill., and there remained about one year. From there he went to St. Louis, where he was engaged in the livery business for six years, and after that was with the Christian Manufacturing Company, for one year. In 1883 he came to Batesville, Ark., and in 1884 he embarked in the livery business, which he still carries on. He owns a fine sand- stone quarry near Batesville, and is president of the Zinc-Blende Mining Company, who are operat- ing over 250 acres of mining land, with a capital stock of $1,500,000. He was elected mayor of Batesville, in 1886, and re-elected in 1887, which ! position he held until 1889. He owns a stone building on Main Street, two stories high. 38 feet front and 120 feet long, the lot 150 feet deep. Mr. Bartlett is also a stockholder and director in the Batesville Telephone. On the 2d of Septem- ber, 1869, at Charleston, Ill., Miss Mary A. Duni- vin, a native of Coles County, became his wife. One child was born to this union, Edwin C. Mr. Bartlett is a member of the I. O. O. F .. K. of H .. and he and wife are members of the K. & L. of H.

J. M. Bartlett, ex-mayor of Batesville, is of Indiana nativity, born in Owen County. on the 4th of November, 1844, and since his location in this county, in 1883, he has been closely indenti- tied with its material affairs, and associated with its progress and development. His parents, James C. and Sarah (Alexander) Bartlett. were natives of Kentucky and North Carolina, respect- ively. The father settled in Owen County. Ind., Elisha Baxter, ex-governor of the State of Ar- in 1831, locating at Gosport, and was a tanner by : kansas and whose name has been famous before the

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nation for many years, was born in Rutherford of 1853 he again entered into business, this time County, N. C., September 1, 1827. His father at Batesville, in company with his brother Taylor. under the firm name of E. Baxter & Bro. He had not been a merchant at Batesville very long before he found that the nature of trade and the habits of the people were essentially different from those of North Carolina, and this, in connection with his love of politics and activity in that direction, soon led to disastrous results. In 1855 they suspended, giving up all of their property, and paying their debts in full, and ended their business career as honorably as they had conducted it. This unfor- tunate occurrence did not break the spirit of these determined men, however, and the brother, who had never been compelled to do a day's labor before, at once mounted a building, just before the store they had vacated, and began learning the car- penter's trade. In this he succeeded, and soon regained part of his fallen fortune. Elisha repaired to the office of the Independent Balance, a news- paper published at Batesville, by U. E. Fort, and edited by M. Shelby Kennard. Here he found employment for twelve months, and devoted his leisure hours to the study of law under the super- vision of the Hon. H. F. Fairchild. He soon after- ward was admitted to the bar, and since then has practiced his profession, except when filling office. He was a Whig in politics, and a strong adherent of that party until it disbanded, in 1855. Mr. Bax- ter then attempted to co-operate with the Demo- cratic party, but could not agree with them on the question of secession. As a Whig, he was elected and served as mayor of Batesville, in 1853, and in 1854 was elected a member of the legislature from was William Baxter, born in Ireland about the year 1759, and a weaver by trade, who emigrated to America in the year 1789, settling for a time in Mecklenberg County, N. C., where he soon after- ward married Miss Sarah Berryhill. This happy union gave them four daughters and five sons whose names are Margaret, James, Joseph, Wil- liam, Andrew, Thomas, Sarah, Caroline and Mary. After his marriage he removed to Rutherford County, N. C., where he resided until his death, in 1852, leaving a very large estate behind him, the result of his energy and good business ability. About the year 1810 he married his second wife, Catherine, daughter of James Lee, of Virginia, and from this marriage were born three daughters and five sons: Jane, Elizabeth, Esther, John, David, George, Elisha and Taylor. John became a very prominent attorney, and for several terms was elected a member of the North Carolina legis- lature and speaker of the house in 1852. He moved to Knoxville, Tenn., in 1854, and was a member of the constitutional convention that adopt- ed the present constitution of that State. He was appointed United States circuit judge by Presi- dent Hayes in 1878 for the States of Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio and Michigan, and was one of the most brilliant men of his time. John died at Hot Springs, Ark., March 2, 1887; David perished at sea on an ocean voyage to Australia in 1851, and George died in 1854. Taylor became a prosperous farmer in Kansas, while Elisha was one of Ar- kansas' most noted governors. Elisha Baxter re- ceived a good moral training in his youth, but, Independence County, which had not elected a much to his regret in after life, he did not have the facilities for attending the higher schools and academies that are now within the reach of every young man in America. In 1848 he commenced his mercantile career at Rutherfordton, in company with his brother-in-law, Spenser Eaves, and in 1849 he was united in marriage to Miss Harriet, daughter of Col. Elijah Patton, of Rutherford County. He shortly afterward withdrew from commercial life and farmed for two years, and in the fall of 1852 moved to Arkansas. In the early part

Whig to any position for twenty years. In 1858 he was again elected to the legislature as a non- partisan, and in 1860 was defeated for prosecuting attorney of the Third judicial district by F. W. Desha. When the war came on he tried to be neutral and loyal to the government of the United States, so that when Curtis came into Batesville with 20,000 Federal troops. in the spring of 1862. his position enabled him to do a great deal of good for the citizens of Batesville: and during the two months that the place was occupied by the Federal

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army he was incessantly engaged in reclaiming property, collecting vouchers, and procuring the release of prisoners, without the hope or prospects of reward. At that time he believed his course would be appreciated, but Curtis had scarcely left when he was notified by some friendly Confeder- ates that he could not safely remain in the country. Accordingly, he left on short notice, with but very little provision made for himself and family. Over- taking Curtis at Jacksonport, he was tendered the command of the First Arkansas Federal regiment, then just ready to be organized, but declined, and as he said to General Curtis:

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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 29

Author: Publication date: 1889 Publisher: Chicago, Nashville, St. Louis : The Goodspeed Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1044

Author:
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Chicago, Nashville, St. Louis : The Goodspeed Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1044