BIOGRAPHIES

BIOGRAPHIES

Izard County Arkansas Genealogy Trails

William Davis is one of the old and highly honored residents of Izard County, and during the many years devoted to agricultural pursuits in this region he has become well and favorable known. His far compromises 252 acres, of which eighty acres are under cultivation and it is well improved with good buildings and orchards. Some portions of his land are underlaid with minerals and are considered very valuable. He was born in Campbell County, Tenn, in 1815 and is a son of James Davis, who was born in Kentucky. The later received a liberal education in his youth, and gave attention to the occupation of farming. He served in he war of 1812, was a member of the Primitive Baptist church, and after his marriage to miss Sallie Cushenbury, of Tennessee, he was removed to Kentucky (in 1829), where he purchased land and reared his family of six sons and six daughters: Patsey, Nancy, Baxter, George, Anna, James, Ursula, William Ferroby, Joseph, John and Emanuel. William Davis, the immediate subject of this sketch, was married to Miss. Bethenia Dobbs, of Kentucky, in 1835, but her death occurred in 1858 she having borne a family of eleven children, eight of whom survived: Mary A, James, Emanuel, Ferroby, Simon, Mark, Ollie, and Nancy. In the later part of 1858 Mr Davis took for his second wife Harriet A, the daughter of Isaac Bettis, of Izard county, Ark. This union resulted in the birth of twelve children, seven now living: William A, Baxter, Rufus M, Martha E, Anthony W, Tennessee and Minnie L. Their son Rufus M, was married in 1888 to Miss. Julia Cunningham, of Izard County, and they reside on the homestead with Mr. Davis. They have one child, Willie. The family attend the Missionary Baptist Church, of whom Mr. and Mrs. Davis have long been members.

Transcribed by Mary Lafferty Wilson. Source: Biographical & Goodspeed History of Arkansas, page 939

W O Dillard. The family of which the subject of this sketch is a representative, is one well known to the People of Izard County, for one or more of its members have been identified with its agricultural interests since 1849, when Alex. Dillard and his family located here. The latter was married to Delilah Legan, both being natives of Tennessee, and, throughout his entire life, he was engaged in farming and merchandising, following the latter occupations at Spring Creek and Flat Woods after coming to the Arkansas. He served as justice of the peace and deputy sheriff of his county, and during the time he served in the latter capacity, he transacted the greater portion of the business which should have been attended to by the sheriff. He was quite a wealthy man prior to the war, and owned several negroes, but his losses during the rebellion were very heavy, and these he never fully regained. He died in 1867, at the age of fifty-nine years. To this marriage, which occurred in 1825, were born a family of seven children, three of whom lived to be grown, and two now living: J A, a resident of this county and W O. John C died while serving in the Mexican War, being sergeant of his company. Both parents were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and the mothers death occurred in 1837 or 1838. Mr. Dillard's second wife was Mary Wood, of Tennessee, and is now the wife of John Anderson. W O Dillard remained with his father until twenty seven-years of age, then commenced for himself, farming on his own land, which was situated on the White River in Izard County. This property he sold in 1866, and bought 202 acres on another portion of the White River, about eighty acres of which are under cultivation, and in addition to this owns 1,000 acres, the entire amount of this land under cultivation amounting to 250 acres. In 1862 he joined the Confederate army as a private, but was afterward promoted to the rank of second lieutenant, and served three years under Col. Freeman, and was with Price on his raid though Missouri. He surrendered at Jacksonport, Ark, on the 5th of June, 1865, and returned home and resumed farming. From 1869 to 1875 he was successfully engaged in merchandising, and since that time he has been occupied with farming. He was married in 1857, to Miss. Averilla Jeffrey, but she died in 1868, after having borne four children, three now living: James L, Nancy J, wife of Neely Talley, and Alex. Mary E is deceased. In 1869 Mr. Dillard wedded his second wife, she being a Mrs. Sarah Slavens, and to them three children have been born: J J, John C and W O. Mr. Dillard was called upon to more the death of his wife in 1879, and in 1881, his third wife, who was Miss. Sallie Harris, also died, their marriage having been consummated in 1880. His marriage to his present wife who was a Miss. Adelaide Cantrell, took place in 1883. They have two children: George C and Charley R. Mr. Dillard's first two wives were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, his third wife was a Cumberland Presbyterian, and he and his present wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Democrat, a member of the A F & A M, and is a man who favors and support all laudable enterprises, especially those connected with churches and schools.

Transcribed by Mary Lafferty Wilson. Source: Biographical & Goodspeed History of Arkansas, page 940

George J Dillard is a native-born resident of Izard County, Ark, and was born in the year 1850. He is the son of Hill and Eliza (Creswell) Dillard, the former's birth having occurred in the "Old Dominion" in 1814. The father was one of the leading farmers of the section in which he resided, and during slavery times, owned a great many negroes. Although he received a limited early education, he possessed sound judgment and a keen and active intellect, and was a man who stood well in the estimation of all who knew him. The following family were born to himself and wife: Elizabeth, the wife of B T Rose; Martha, also married; Sarah, now Mrs. Billilngsley, all of whom reside in this county. Mr. Dillard removed to this county and State in 1836, coming overland, and entered a large tract of land, and at the time of his death, owned about 1,000 acres. He built himself a cedar log hut in the woods and in this primitive structure, his son, George J Dillard, was born. After making this county his home until 1863 he moved to the State of Texas, where he died two years later. George J Dillard, like his father has followed the occupation of farming all his life, and like him, has been successful. His farm, which comprises 264 acres, of which 130 are under cultivation, he devotes chiefly to raising cotton, corn, and small grains, and throughout the county he is well and favorably known. Although he attended the la Crosse school for some time, which was under the management of Prof, Kennard, his early education was somewhat limited, but by reading and contact with the world he is considered one of the well posted men of the county. In 1872 he was married to Miss Rebecca Shell, a daughter of William and Catherine Shell, of Izard, County, and by her has a family of seven children: Edward, William D, Ollie, Elizabeth, James, Hubbard and Catherine.

Transcribed by Mary Lafferty Wilson. Source: Biographical & Goodspeed History of Arkansas, page 940

William K Estes, county and circuit clerk, Melbourne, Ark. In his present position as clerk of the county and circuit court of this county, Mr Estes is proving himself to be efficient and popular, and the manner in which he has acquitted himself justly won him then name of being possessed of more than ordinary business ability. He is a native-born citizen of the county, his birth occurred on 5th September 1853, and he is the son of Thomas N and Lucy R (Johnson) Estes, the grandson of Burris and Martha (Morris) Estes, natives of North Carolina. The grandfather came to Tennessee at an early day, and was then married about 1825. He was a leading agriculturist, and died near the close of the late war, laving considerable property in land and slaves. He was a member of the Baptist, Church, as was also his wife who died shortly after hid death. The paternal great-grandfather of William K Estes was an offer in the war for independence, and had in the same army with himself eleven cousins of the same name and sons of one father. He drew from the government 600 acres of land, and located his claim in Henry County, Tenn., where he passed his last days. Thomas N Estes was born in Tennessee, but moved to this State in 1852, and was married that year to Miss. Lucy R Johnson, who bore him three children: W K, John J (who is a bookkeeper at Evening Shade, Sharp County, and Samuel C (who is clerking in a drygoods store, at Ash Flat, Ark). The mother of these children died in 1858. She was a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Estes was married the second time, in 1869, to Mrs. Minerva R. Wilson nee Kimmins: both are members of the Baptist Church. The same year they moved to Izard County, where Mr. Estes has under cultivation, and on which are good buildings, etc. In 1849 he crossed the plains to California, and after suffering untold hardships and after being on the road over six months, reached that State. He then followed mining until 1852, met with reasonable success and returned to Arkansas in the above mentioned year. He was county clerk of Fulton County from 1862-1864, an also served in the Confederate army. William K Estes' early life was divided between assisting on the farm and in attending the common school of his county. At the age of twenty years he started out for himself by continuing the pursuit to which he had been reared, and followed this occupation uninterruptedly for a long time. In 1879 he moved to the city and served as deputy clerk from that time until 1884, when he was elected county clerk, though he had first been deputy clerk in November, 1876. He filled this office in such a capable and efficient manner, and so popular did ne become, that he was complimented by being re-elected in 1886, serving until 1888. He has been twice married; first, in 1873, to Miss. Lurana E Wilson, by whom he had five children: Lucy E, Walter H, Jasper M, Allie M, and Ford W. Mrs. Estes was born on the 3d of March, 1855, and died on the 13th of August, 1886. She was a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Estes' second marriage was to Miss. Nancy C Kitchens, on the 30th January, 1887. They have one child, Earl T. Mr and Mrs. Estes are both church members, she of the Christian denomination and he of the Baptist. He is a member of the A F & A M and R A M, and also a member of the Subordinate Lodge and the Encampment of Odd Fellows. In politics he is Democrat.

Transcribed by Mary Lafferty Wilson. Source: Biographical & Goodspeed History of Arkansas, page 941

B F Garner was born in the state of Tennessee, and in 1836, his parents, William P and Harriet (Greer) Garner, being also natives of that State, the former's birth occurring in 1813. They were married in their native State in 1835, she being the daughter of Joshua Greer, and in 1859 they removed to Izard County, Ark, and purchased a farm of 240 acres, and here he was engaged in farming and preaching (he being a minister of the Christian Church) up to the time of his death, in 1870. His wife died in 1860 and three or four years later he wedded Miss. Martha Murphy, who died the same year as himself. His first union resulted in the birth of twelve children, six being now alive: B F Garner removed to this county in 1869, having begun life for himself in his native State at the age of twenty-one years, his first business venture being to engage in saw- milling. This enterprise he continued to follow until 1864, when he turned his attention to farming. He was married there, in 1858, to Miss. Elizabeth J Wade, and by her has four children: William L, A B, J T and U S. The two eldest engaged in saw-milling, on a large scale, in what is known as "Dry Hollow," Izard county, and are enterprising young business men. Upon Coming to the State of Arkansas Mr. Garner entered and purchased land to the amount of 410 acres, and, with the exception of 100 acres, has divided his land among his sons. He has forty acres of his land under cultivation, and since 1879 has been engaged in the mercantile business, at Oxford and does a business of about $4,000 per annum. He is also interested in the mercantile business with his sons, J T, at Wideman. He supports the principles of the Republican party, and he and wife are members of the Christian Church, as are three sons: A B, J T, and U S.

Transcribed by Mary Lafferty Wilson. Source: Biographical & Goodspeed History of Arkansas, page 942

James H Garner was born in Tennessee, in 1834, and is the son of John Garner, whose native state was North Carolina, where he was born on the 1st of August, 1808. It his youth he moved to Tennessee with his parents, and in this State he received the advantages of common school, and as far back as he could remember hi had been familiar with farm work. In 1831 his marriage with Miss. Sarah B Greer was celebrated, she being a daughter of Joshua and Polly Greer. Five sons and three daughter were born to John Garner and wife; William T, Washington L, Edward P, John D, Mary E, Francis and Lucy C. Mr Garner removed from Tennessee to Izard County, Ark, in 1858 and purchased a farm of eighty acres, which he successfully conducted until his death on the 21st of August, 1872. His wife, who was born in Tennessee, February 19, 1816, Still lived on the old homestead, and both were members of the Christian Church. James H. Garner's youth was spent in his native State, and in 1859 he followed his father to Izard County, Ark, and purchased a woodland farm of 120 acres near him. On this he built a house and established his family, and in time became able to purchase 280 more acres more, of which he has 150 acres under the plow. On this he raises corn and cotton, as a large portion of his far is underlaid with mineral ore it is very valuable. He has now in process of erection a commodious frame residence on his Piney Creek farm and in looking over Mr. Garner's domains it can easily be seen that he throughly understand his business and is thrifty and energetic. He was married to Miss Mary E Murphy a daughter of Gilston Murphy, of Illinois, and by her has a family of seven children; John R, Nathan F, William L, Jessie B, James E, Henry B, Thomas F and Edwin L. When the war broke out he joined Company E, and was two years in the infantry under Capt. Gibson and from that time to the close of the war he was in the cavalry under Capt. Powell. He was at Little Rock, Independence, and Kansas City, and surrendered at Jacksonport in 1865. He is a Democrat in his political views, and from 1872 to 1876 served as justice of the peace; in 1887 he was appointed deputy sheriff under R L Sanders, of Izard County. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, having been Master of his lodge two years.

Transcribed by Mary Lafferty Wilson. Source: Biographical & Goodspeed History of Arkansas, page 942

John D Garner has spent his entire life in the occupation of farming, and the manner in which he has acquired his preset possessions denotes him to be a man of energy, push and enterprise. He was born in Tennessee, in 1852, and since 1858 has been a resident of Izard County, Ark, and here received a somewhat meager education in the common schools in his youth. In 1871 he married Miss. Ellen Langston, a daughter of John Langston, of Izard County, and to them have been born two children: Lafayette and James E. Mrs. Garner died in 1876, and he afterward married Miss. Sarah Niblett, a daughter of Samuel Niblett, to their union taking place in Fulton County, Ark. In 1878. Six children have been born to them: Lucy C, Silas M, Joseph, Coral, Harvey and Richard. After Mr. Garner's marriage to his present wife he resided for some time in Fulton County, but is now located permanently in Izard County, and is negotiating for the farm he is now working. He raised a good crop this year and is a thrifty and industrious farmer. He is a Democrat politically, and he and wife are members of the Christian Church. He is a son of John Garner, whose sketch appears elsewhere in the work. Page 934

Transcribed by Mary Lafferty Wilson. Source: Biographical & Goodspeed History of Arkansas, page 943

Dr. Thomas K Goodman, of the mercantile firm of Goodman & Schenck, of Calico Rock was born in Polk county, MO, in 1849, and is one of nine surviving members of a family of twelve children, eleven who lived to be grown, born to the marriage of Sampson Goodman and Sarah Lyngar of English and French descent, respectively, and native of Tennessee. The father removed to Polk County, MO, when the country was almost a wilderness, and resided in this county until his death, which occurred in 1888, at the age of eighty-two years. His wife died in 1869. He was a farmer and a stock raiser of moderate means, and although a man of not much education he possessed sound judgement, and was an individual of more than ordinary intelligence. He and his wife were married in 1827 and were members f the Baptist Church for a number of years. Their children were as follows: F M, who died in Missouri, in 1888, leaving a family; Elizabeth wife of George Slatten; John F, James who went to California in 1852, and has not been heard from since; Isaac J, Newton J, Mary E, wife of S C Chumbley; Harvey C, Thomas K, Edward M. Dr. Thomas K Goodman received his early education in the common school of his native county and afterward completed his education in the academy at Greenfield, MO, which institution he entered in 1866. He began studying medicine at Springfield in the following year under Dr. W A Hyde, and in the spring of 1879 graduated from the Homeopathic Medical College of Missouri, at St. Louis, but previous to graduating had practiced in Newton and Izard Counties, Ark, having located in the latter county in 1872. He continued his practice here until 1885, when he embarked in the mercantile business with Dr. Schenck [see sketch]. Upon coming to this county Doctor was rather poor financially, but he now owns 248 acres of improved land, and his interest in his mercantile establishment. He is a Republican in his political views, is a member of the A F & A M, and he and his wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Greenhaw , and whom he married in 1871, are the parents of three children. Oliver S, Homer H H, and Albert A T.

Transcribed by Mary Lafferty Wilson. Source: Biographical & Goodspeed History of Arkansas, page 943

Robert Gray was born in Wilkes County, N C, July 11, 1838, and is one of the twelve children, six living, born to Constant and Jane (Sale) Gray, who were also North Carolinians, and were there reared, educated and married. Mr Gray was successful farmer, at his death, in 1862, owned 1,800 acres of good land. His wife died in 1873, in the full faith of the Baptist Church. Robert Gray was educated in Wilkesboro, N. C., and in 1859 moved to Arkansas, settling in Izard County, he at the time owning but one horse and about $75 in money. He was married here on the 15th of June, 1861, to Miss. Rachel E Gray, who was born in the "Old North State," but her death occurred in January, 1864, leaving one son, William R, who died on the 8th of February, 1875. June 14, 1868, Mr. Gray wedded his second wife, Martha Hinkle by name, she having been born in Tennessee; and of their family twelve children, eleven are still living, and ten reside at home; Thomas J, Arens J, John, Mary E, Ida K, Bertha L, James F, Walter N, Robert E, Amanda E, Annie M, and Jesse A. Mr. Gray, like his father, has always been engaged in farming, and owns about 700 acres of good land, of which 250 acres are under cultivation. He has been a member of the I O O F for the past nine years, and has held a number of offices in the county, such as assessor, and while residing in Sharp county held the office of County treasurer for two years. In 1862 he enlisted in the confederate Army under McBride, and was severely wounded at the fight at Mansfield, losing his left leg and one finger on his left hand. He also received a shot in the left side and received his discharged in 1865. He followed the occupation of school teaching for some time after returning home, but, as stated above, has given the most of hie attention to farming at which he has been remarkable successful. He and wife worship in the Baptist Church.

Transcribed by Mary Lafferty Wilson. Source: Biographical & Goodspeed History of Arkansas, page 943

W Grimmett, ex-county judge and farmer, Newburg, Ark. A plain untarnished statement of the fact embraced in the life of W Grimmett, a man well known to the people o Izard County, is all that we profess to be able to give in this history of the county; and yet, upon examination of those facts, there will be found the career of one whose entire course through the world has been marked with great honesty and fidelity of purpose, as well as sincere and effective service to those whom he has been called upon to represent in different capacities. Mr. Grimmett was born in the Blue Grass State in 1840, and his parents, Andrew and Mary (Wilson) Grimmett, were natives of Virginia and Kentucky, respectively. Andrew Grimmett came to Kentucky at an early day, worked as a farm hand, and was here married to Miss. Wilson. He moved to Arkansas in 1855, settled first in Fulton County, and one year later moved to this county, where he remained for five years. He subsequently located in Van Buren County, resided there four years, and then returned to this county, where his death occurred in 1878, about the age of sixty-six years. Mrs. Grimmett died in 1887, at the age of seventy -two years. They were the parents of these children: Harvey Watson (the subject of this sketch), Samuel (deceased), Wilson (deceased), Mrs. Elizabeth Reynolds, W T, Mrs. Minerva Billingsley. Mrs. Grimmett was a member of the Baptist Church. At the age of eighteen years W Grimmett commenced life for himself by farming, and in 1858 was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A Hamond. He has followed agricultural pursuits ever since, with the exception of three years, where he was engaged in merchandising at Newburg (1876-1878), but he soon closed out his business and returned to the farm. He has held the office of justice of the peace for two terms four hears in all, two terms county and probate judge, and has since resided on and attended to his farm. In 1862 he joined the Confederate army, Company C, Shaler's regiment, under Capt. Gibson, and served until the close of hostilities, when he surrendered at Jacksonport on the 5th of June, 1865. He was engaged in some severe skirmishes, notably Augusta and at Village Creek. After the war he came home, and went immediately to farming. Although starting with limited means the Judge has been quite successful, and is now the owner of 190 acres of land, with 100 acres under cultivation. To this marriage were born the following children; Amanda M, wife of J O Hammond; Caldona, wife of R F Lacy; Charles M; Averilla, C E, at home; George A, Amos J. And Joseph Roscoe. Judge Grimmett is a man who favors all public improvements, and is a great friend to education. He is a member of the I O O F lodge and in politics casts his vote with the Democrat party. Mrs. Grimmett is a member of the Baptist Church.

Transcribed by Mary Lafferty Wilson. Source: Biographical & Goodspeed History of Arkansas, page 944

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