USA > Arkansas > Biographical and historical memoirs of western 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 mentioned, and numerous biographical sketches of the citizens of such counties > Part 30
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E. D. M. Stevenson, a planter by occupation, and formerly of Carroll County, Tenn., was born in that State April 3, 1834, and is the eldest son of Samuel G. and Eliza (Seret) Stevenson. The senior Stevenson, of French descent and a farmer, was born in 1792 in South Carolina, and was mar- ried in Tennessee in 1832, where his wife died July 4, 1842, leaving five children to the care of her husband, who, with his family, emigrated to Arkansas in 1870 and settled in White County, re- siding here till his death in 1872, being in com- munion with the Methodist Episcopal Church, his
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wife worshiping with the Baptist Church. Our subject served as a soldier in the Confederate Army, enlisting in Company B of the Fifty fifth Infantry. Being taken prisoner at Island No. 10, he soon effected his escape and returned home, subsequently joining a company of cavalry, took part in the battles of Red Mound (Tenn.), Cold Springs (Ala.), and after his muster out came home to his farm duties, which he has followed ever since, having some 200 acres under his supervision in Galla Rock Township, 100 of which he most suc- cessfully cultivates. His marriage took place in this county February 5, 1871, to Miss Jennie Mc- Mullen, who was born in Tennessee, June 15, 1835, and this union resulted in the birth of two chil- dren: Henry Beutress (deceased) and Samuel F. In religion he and wife worship with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and socially he is an A. F. & A. M., belonging to Bright Star Lodge No. 101, and he is an honest, industrious and upright citizen of his township.
P. N. Strait, a pioneer planter and general merchant of Magazine Township, was born in Ken- tucky, December 29, 1840, his parents, Wright and Maria (Ross) Strait, were also born and mar- ried in this State, the father's birth occurring in 1811, and the mother's in 1814, and were the par- ents of five children, he whose name heads this sketch being the only son. The senior Strait, a farmer and house-builder, emigrated to Arkansas as early as 1849. Settling in Clark County, he re- mained here till 1861, when he changed his loca- tion to Yell County, and during the succeeding year was killed by bushwhackers, his widow sur- viving him till 1863. They were members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and for many years he was justice of the peace in his township. Our sub- ject was reared a farmer, which calling he pursued nearly his entire life, and during the troublous times in the sixties, put aside his farm duties for active service in the Federal Army, enlisting in 1862, in Company I, First Arkansas Regiment of Infantry, Samuel M. Bard, captain, and was in the battles of Fayetteville, Poison Springs and a num- ber of skirmishes. Receiving his discharge in Au- gust, 1864, he returned to his home and resumed
his work on the farm, and is now the prosperous owner of five tracts of land, comprising some 800 acres, 400 highly cultivated, and on which he raises cotton, corn and fruits of all varieties, and in con- nection with his farm has opened a store, carrying a stock of such goods and wares as are found in a store of general merchandise. Miss Olive Whattey, who was born October 27, 1844, in the State of Mississippi, became his wife in 1865. She was a daughter of James and Sarah Whattey, who fol- lowed farming in Georgia. To the union of our subject and wife were born nine children: Emma A. (deceased), Viola (wife of W. L. Dale), William R., Charles W., Jerusha, Bookee, Mathulda, Le- ona, and an infant (deceased). In 1890 he received his appointment as postmaster, and is woll worthy the honor conferred upon him.
James A. Taylor, one of the leading and most prominent farmers of Bluffton Township, was born in this county ten miles south of Dardanelle, on March 21, 1860, and received but a limited educa- tion. He was reared on the farm, and as a conse- quence is familiar with the duties of the same in every particular. His father, Benjamin F. Taylor, was born in Tennessee, and came to this county in 1848. Here he was married, and here he resided for many years, active and successfully engaged in cultivating the soil. In November, 1862, he en- listed in the Federal Army, Company F, Third Arkansas Cavalry, and was in the battle of Saline besides numerous smaller engagements. He was then taken with the measles, had a relapse, and died in April, 1863, leaving a widow and three chil- dren, who were named in the order of their births as follows: Roxie, James A. and Amos Franklin. The first and last named are deceased. James A. Taylor remained with his mother near Dardanelle for about three years, and then moved with her to Township in the La Fouche Valley, where he attended school as the opportunity offered. At the age of eleven years he moved with his mother to Bluffton Township, and there he has continued to reside. When about eighteen years of age he commenced working for himself, and at that time bought eighty acres of land in connection with his brother. This he improved by clearing
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forty-five acres which he now has in cultivation, and erected a tenant house, having rented a por- tion of his land. About the time he bought this land a good school was opened, and Mr. Taylor, feeling a desire to have a better education, rented his farm, and that of his mother over which he had control, and enrolled himself among the ear- liest students of Gravelly Hill High School, as the school was called. He had attended about only eight months, when sickness in his family caused him to abandon his long-cherished desire for a bet- ter education. He remained on the farm until twen- ty-four years of age, and was then married to Miss Samantha Elliott, daughter of J. J. Elliott, of Forsythe County, Ga. He then bought a farm of 120 acres farther down the valley, and four years from the time of his marriage his wife died, leav- ing one child, a daughter, seven days old. His next marriage was in 1888, to Miss Susan Daniels, daughter of T. A. Daniels, of Mississippi, and by this union he has two children. Mr. Taylor is a Democrat in politics, and socially is a member of the Masonic lodge at Concordia, No. 310, in which organization he holds the office of worshipful mas- ter. He has held the office of justice of the peace three different times, and is filling that position at the present time. He has been school director for several years, and is doing all that he can for the advancement of education in his township. In his support of churches and all enterprises of a public nature he has always been very liberal and extends a helping hand to those less fortunate in life.
Columbus Thomas claims Yell County as his home by adoption, coming here as early as 1851, from his native heath, Sumner County, Tenn., where he was born April 6, 1850, to Benjamin and Sarah C. (Gambling) Thomas, who were born in the same county and State, the father's birth oc- curring January 18, 1820, and the mother's in De- rember, 1824; both deceased, the father in 1868 and the mother in 1878. The early life of our subject's father was spent in Tennessee, being educated under his father (a Virginian by birth, and his wife an Englishwoman), who taught school in Sumner County for twenty-one years, and com- pletely mastering the various English branches
and surveying, and upon his graduation emigrated to Arkansas, where he was elected county surveyor, and in connection with the duties of this office he taught school and farmed, buying 160 acres of land, which he increased to 360; selling this he. lived in retirement the rest of his days. The prin- cipal of this biography was given a good common- school education in the schools of his day, and after leaving these engaged in farming, being the pos- sessor of 120 acres in his homestead on which is a handsome dwelling, 100 of these being sown to cot- ton, corn and wheat, two devoted to an orchard of apples and peaches, and forty-five acres in their natural state. In 1871 he led to the altar Miss Mary M. Adams, born in Georgia, January 2, 1851, and the daughter of J. R. and G. W. W. Adams. Her father, ex-county surveyor, and prom- inent in his county, is a resident of Morrillton. To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas, Jr., have been born the following family: Benjamin (living), Ida, and Will- iam (deceased). In 1874 he and wife became members of the Missionary Baptist Church. He is a stanch Democrat, and is an enthusiast con- cerning the growth and welfare of his county.
William H. Vandiver, a planter of Galla Rock Township, was born in Mississippi, May 20, 1842. His parents, Elijah and Malinda (Cox) Vandiver, were born and married in South Carolina, the former's birth occurring December 12, 1812, and the latter's about 1816. His father followed farm- ing, negro speculation, and stock-dealing, as a means of livelihood, and in order to better his fortunes, moved his family to Mississippi, where he lived until 1885, when he died. The death of his wife occurred in 1867. Both were respected members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he was an honored Mason, having been connected with that order for some forty years or more, and was quite an active politician of his day. Our subject served in the Confederate Army, in defense of the Southern cause, enlisting in Blythes' Ninth Mississippi Infantry Regiment. He was actively engaged for nearly one year, and at its expiration was transferred to Maj. Saunders' cavalry. He served as an escort to Jefferson Davis, while en route to Georgia, and was in many of the noted
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battles and skirmishes, particularly in the battle of Thompson Station, where 2,300 soldiers sur- rendered. While in service, he was wounded five times, and was paroled in 1865, and returned to Mississippi and resumed his farm duties, continu- ing there till 1868, when he moved to Memphis, Tenn., and started a mercantile store, which he carried on till 1872, when he again changed his location, this time settling on a farm in Yell County, where he and wife conjointly own 120 and sixty- nine acres of very valuable and well-improved land. In 1877 he was married to Mrs. Madora Bryson, who was born in Pope County, in 1852, and is the eldest daughter of George Parish. To this mar- riage was born a son, William. Mr. and Mrs. Vandiver belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is a Knight of Pythias, affiliating with Easley Lodge No. 17. Mrs. Vandiver has a daughter by her former marriage, Miss Minnie Bell Bryson, born December 24, 1872.
John C. Vinsett is the proprietor of the Vinsett saw and grist mills and cotton-gin, located in Yell County. He was born in Calhoun County, Miss., October 25, 1846, the son of John Vinsett, a native of South Carolina, from where he removed to Woodruff County, Ark., in 1858, and remained there until 1871, when he came to this county. John C. received what little education he had in this county, and the advantages were very poor. In July, 1864, he enlisted in Company E, under Capt. Wilson and Col. McGee, and took part in the battle of Pilot Knob and a number of skirmishes; was with Price on his famous raid, when he was taken prisoner and brought to Camp Douglas, Chicago; was detained there four months, when he was exchanged at Red River and returned home. He followed farming until 1886, when he put np his present mills, at a cost of $3,000. These mills have a capacity of 10,000 feet of lumber daily, but average only 6,000 feet, and 150 bales of cotton, grinding only one day of each week. He owns 140 acres of land, seventy five acres of which are tilla- ble, and he rents this out in shares. He was mar- ried in 1864 to Miss Amanda Celack, a native of Arkansas, born in 1845. Four of the nine children born to them are now living: William, Mary (wife
of William Choate), Martha (wife of J. W. Jones) and Angeline (wife of William Lony). Our subject lost his first wife in 1881. He was married again in 1883, and by this union has one son. He and his wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and in politics he is a Democrat, and has held the office of justice of the peace for two terms, also that of bailiff. Socially he is a member of Baker Creek Lodge No. 388, A. F. & A. M. He is one of the influential men of Riley Township, and is respected by all with whom he comes in contact, either socially or in business.
James H. Walkup, one of the pioneer settlers of Riley Township, came to this county in November, 1860, and has resided here ever since. He was formerly a resident of Mississippi. He bought 120 acres of land, improved it and made other pur- chases at different times since the war, until he now owns 780 acres, a great portion of which is improved, and upon which he has built comfort- able dwellings, barns, etc. James H. Walkup was born in Union County, N. C., March 21, 1823, the son of David M. and Jane (Huey) Walkup, na- tives of the two Carolinas, and was reared within a few miles from Gen. Jackson's birthplace. Re- maining in his native home until he was twenty- two years old, he had very few educational advan- tages, but in later years read a great deal, and in this way became well posted. On leaving his home he went to South Carolina, remaining twelve years, taking a position as overseer. He married Miss M. T. Ranson in South Carolina, removing from there to Mississippi early in 1857, where he put in four crops, and then came to Yell County, as above stated. At the opening of the war he enlisted and remained until he was compelled to go home on account of sickness, but in October, 1863, he entered the Federal service in the Third Arkansas Cavalry, under Capt. Eddington, but later Lieut. Peas took command; then Col. Ryan and Lieut. - Col. Fuller, commanding the regiment. They were detailed as a guard along the Arkansas River. Mr. Walkup was in quite a number of skirmishes, being discharged June 30, 1865, when he returned home and once more turned his atten- tion to farming and cotton-raising. Mrs. Walkup
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is a daughter of William and C. (Taylor) Ranson, natives of Ireland and South Carolina, respectively. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Walkup, namely: Mary E. (wife of C. P. Hudson), William A., Jane Alice, Parilla A., Robert L., Lou, Ida, Huey B., and Julia E. (deceased). Mr. Wal- kup, with his wife and five children, are members of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, of which he is an elder. He has been a school direc- tor some time, and in politics affiliates with the Democratic party.
Paschal P. West. On April 16, 1845, was born in South Carolina the subject of this sketch. He was raised to manhood in Georgia, and given the benefit of the common schools, and learning the blacksmith's trade, at the age of nineteen, started in business for himself, following this trade, more or less, in connection with his farming and milling interests. Soon after the establishment of his busi- ness he was married to Miss Rebecca Westree, daughter of Samuel Westree, of Forsythe County, Ga. This union has been blessed with seven chil- dren, four of whom are living: Alpha (born in Georgia, in 1865, and given a good common school- ing, at the age of nineteen married John Crown- over, a farmer, living in the vicinity of her par- ents), Eddie (born in 1876), Effie L. (born in 1878), and George (born in 1880). All have been given the advantages of the public schools. Our subject fought in defense of his country in Com- pany E, Forty-third Georgia Regiment of Volun- teer Infantry; was in some small skirmishes, and while fighting at Resaca was wounded, and taken to the hospital, where he was discharged, on ac- count of disability, and returned to his home in Georgia. In the fall of 1874 he came to this county, and purchased 115 acres of valuable land, forty of which are in a high state of cultivation, and the remainder good timber land. Here he has not only carried on the business of farming, but erected mills, and entered quite extensively into milling flour, lumber, and ginning cotton, his plant being estimated at $2,500. In 1889 he met with a severe loss in the destruction of his entire property by fire, together with eighteen bales of cotton and 150 bushels of wheat. Our subject, be-
ing a man of indomitable energy and push, imme- diately set to work to repair his loss, and there now stands on the old site new and substantial buildings, valued at $1,800, which are in constant operation. He has never been connected with any religious organization, but gives liberally of his means for the support of churches, schools and all worthy public enterprises. In political and social circles he is respected and esteemed by his fellow- citizens, and, although a Democrat, does not take any active part in politics, but votes for the best man; is an A. F. & A. M., affiliating with a lodge at Bellville, and is postmaster at the little village of Milan, which had its origin on his farm. Mrs. West is an energetic worker and member of the Baptist Church, and, with her husband, enjoys the confidence of the community in which they live.
Francis M. White is a well-known farmer of Fergeson Township, and came with his parents, William B. and Sophia (Gault) White, from South Carolina to this State in 1857, and in 1861 bought 200 acres of land, paying $7 an acre for the entire tract, which he has improved from time to time until he has 152 thoroughly cultivated, and good buildings on his farm. In January, 1861, he was married to Miss Nancy Crownover. daughter of Daniel Crownover, and they have become the par- ents of five children, three of whom are living- two sons and one daughter. He, like all of his patriotic countrymen, was a soldier in the late un- pleasantness, operating with Company F, Third Arkansas Cavalry, Federal Army, Capt. Fuller commanding, and from the date of his enlistment, January 1, 1863, was in the following battles: Prairie de Ann, Saline River and Princeton. At the latter place he was disabled by the fall of his horse, from which he has never entirely recovered, and every day from April 1, till June 1, 1864, saw him in some sort of engagement. He was taken prisoner and released on parole, and finally dis- charged at Danville in May, 1865. He has never belonged to a church or secret society, but con- tributes liberally toward the erection of churches and all matters of public interest, and is ever ready to lend a helping hand and speak a word of cheer to those in need or distress. He and his
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family are regarded as among the most prosper- ous and respected people of their neighborhood.
Isaac S. Whitford. Among the early pioneer settlers to the grand old State of Arkansas, was one Isaac S. Whitford, who located in this county soon after his marriage to Miss Mary E. Wyatt, which was solemnized in Carroll County, Miss., about 1850, who bore him ten children: Charles W. (deceased), Sarah L. (deceased), Lewis H. (deceased), John A. (deceased), Elizabeth S. (wife of Hamilton M. Mor- ris), Isaac E., Mary C. (deceased), and Alonzo C. He served in the late war in Company D, of the Third Arkansas Cavalry, of the Confederate Army, participating in the battle of Backbone, and a num- ber of skirmishes, and at the surrender in 1865, re- turned to his home, where he met with a severe loss in the death of his wife, who died July 31, of this year, and soon after he married Mary A. Cobb. They became the parents of four children: Robert H., Francis M., Emma J. (deceased), and Berry D., and on August 19, 1875, was called to mourn the loss of this wife, who died in full fellowship with the Baptist Church, and on February 24, 1876, he married Mrs. Louisa F. Coats, his present wife, and who had one son, John W. Coats (now de- ceased), by a former marriage. Himself and wife are members in good standing of the Missionary Baptist Church, in which he has filled the office of deacon for many years. He has followed farming nearly all his life, living upon his present farm since 1854, which is a highly cultivated and very productive tract of land. In his community he is one of its most trusted and honored citizens. Our sub- ject's parents, Charles G. and Mary (Mckinney) Whitford, were born October 18, 1803, in North Carolina, and November 9, 1806, in South Caro- lina, respectively, but were married in Stewart County, Tenn., October 9, 1823, and were the par- ents of six children, their son, Isaac, who was born in Stewart County, March 17, 1832, being the ouly child living. The father was a farmer, and active- ly interested in politics, and he and wife were con- sistent members of the Baptist Church.
Frank V. Whittlesey, the popular jeweler of Dardanelle, owes his nativity to Indiana, being born in Vincennes of that State, in 1851, and was
the youngest of six children born to Isaac N. and Elizabeth V. (Buntin) Whittlesey, natives of Con- necticut and Indiana, respectively. His paternal ancestors were English by birth, being descended from a noted family of that country, and crossed the ocean in the grand old " Mayflower." The grand- father, Samuel, was a lawyer by profession, being at one time a celebrated member of the supreme bench of New Jersey, whence he came to Indiana, where he died. The maternal grandfather was of Irish descent, being born in Cork, emigrated to America at an early day, was an officer in the Revo- lutionary War, and being a surveyor was elected as a commissioner to the Northwest Territory, making Vincennes his headquarters, this being his home till his death. The field notes of that day show his title and signature. Isaac Whittlesey learned the trade of watchmaker and jeweler in Watertown, N. Y., and when twenty-two years of age came to Vincennes, and started a business for himself, continuing thus till 1868; he then retired and lived in retirement till his death in 1870. The principal of this sketch was reared, educated and learned his trade in Vincennes, Ind., the latter be- ing accomplished in his father's shop, and under his supervision. Being desirous to begin the world for himself, he opened a business at Mount Vernon, Ind., in 1868, which he conducted till 1870, when he went to Missouri, staying for one year, thence to Harrisburg, Ill., for two years. In 1880, his eyes troubling him, he went to Eureka Springs, Ark., for treatment, and upon their recovery en- tered into business here, and at Fayetteville, in which he continued but a short time, coming to Dardanelle, in 1881, and established his present lucrative business, carrying a stock of about $3,000, his annual receipts amounting to $2,500; he is the owner of the store building, and is erecting a fine dwelling house; besides this property he owns eighty acres of land, partially cultivated, nine val- uable lots, and two cottages on the summit of Mount Nebo, and gives much of his time to the improvement of that beautiful resort. He was joined in matrimony in 1882 to Miss Mattie C. May, only daughter of Judge William N. May [see sketch]. Their marriage has been blessed
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with four children: William N. (living), Mattie Elizabeth, Francis Vigo and Effie (deceased). He and family are worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Socially, subject is in affilia- tion with the following lodges of the Masonic order: Bright Star No. 213, Dardanelle Chapter 64, Brill- iant Star Council and Palestine Commandery No. 7. He is also a prominent member of the Order of K. of P .; has held, or is holding, the highest office, and is now filling the chair of most excellent high priest of the Chapter of R. A. M., and is em- inent commander of the commandery.
Lucas Wieser, the prominent fruit and wine- grower, near Dardanelle, was born in Baden, Ger- many, in 1837, and is the only son born to Julian and Varona Wieser, also of Baden, and deceased, the father in 1844, and the mother in 1863. Lucas received his early training in Germany, in 1866 becoming a member of the army of that country, where he remained till 1871, taking part in the battle of Tanberbishofsheim, here receiving a severe wound in the shoulder. In 1872 he came to America, locating in Pennsylvania, sojourning here but two years, thence going to Indianapolis, where he secured a position as boss iron-worker, working on some of the public buildings. In 1876 he decided to come to Arkansas, which he did, set- tling at Dardanelle; here he bought land and planted an orchard and vineyard of about forty acres, which are well improved, and on this land are some good substantial buildings, erected by himself. At present he is actively working at the trade of a stonemason, having laid the foundation of many of Mount Nebo's massive buildings. In 1873 Miss Sophia Wieser became his wife, and the fruits of this marriage have been five children, two of whom survive: Frank Herman and Herman Frank, the others dying in infancy. The family are members of the Catholic Church.
J. L. Williams. There was born to the union of James N. and Mary Ann (Springer) Williams, of South Carolina and Lauderdale County, Ala., respectively, a family of sixteen children, he whose name heads this sketch being the third child, his birth occurring in Union County, S. C., in 1812, and he is the lineal descendant of the following
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