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BIOGRAPHIES

BIOGRAPHIES

Izard County Arkansas Genealogy Trails


Henderson S. Lafferty was born in Georgia circ. 1798, was a son of the Arkansas Pioneer JohnLafferty a Scot-Irish born in Ireland 1759 and Sarah Lindsey who was of pure Scottish blood born in the US. John Lafferty and his wife removed to Franklin County, Georgia and there started their family of 7 children. The last one being born in Sumner County, Tenn. John and Sarah's children were: Elizabeth, Margaret, John Lindsey, Austin R., Jacob Binks, Henderson S., and Lorenzo Dow.

The person of this sketch, Henderson, attended common school Franklin County, Georgia and later in Sumner Co. Tennessee. At the age of 13 with the help of his brothers he helped the family bring their cattle from Tennessee to Arkansas. Where in 1811 they settled on the White River.

In Izard County Henderson finished his education. His schooling came from Eli Lindsey the first Methodist preacher of Arkansas who was either a brother or a cousin of Sarah Lindsey Lafferty. Henderson become a pioneer Methodist preacher and was license to preach when he was 20. He also was a taught school.

On the 16 of Aug. 1821, In a double wedding with his brother, Henderson S. Lafferty married Nancy Craig the daughter Colonel Craig of Greenbrier, Arkansas. His brother Jacob Binks Lafferty married Sarah Miller daughter of James Miller of Miller's Creek.

Henderson and Nancy had three children: A daughter Lucinda, a son (name unknown) and their youngest a son M.H. Lafferty.

Henderson started his preaching career in Izard County and after 1830 he relocated to was in Washington County with his family. He later move his family Carroll county. In 1833 Carroll County, Arkansas, was formed and included, Boone County, and a Part of Newton, Madison, Marion Searcy Co.

By 1840 Henderson and his family and his brother Binks and his family were in Carroll County. Where he was instrumental in evangelizing the word of God through those areas of Arkansas.

Both Henderson and Binks bought land at the bottom SW corner of the present day Boone County, in what is a Community of Capps.. They both registered their claims 1 Mar 1843 in Fayetteville, Ar. There they followed the vocation of their father and farmed and raised cattle.

Henderson had extensive knowledge of the Carroll Co. Territory . He was a shrewd businessman being the first merchant of in Carrollton. He successfully impressed the County Commissioners Henry Keys, John S. Blaire, and Barnett Cheatham that Carrollton was the logical location for the new county seat. He purchased 80 acres of land from James Jones. The Commissions paid Henderson $1,000.00 for the land for the county seat center. At that time this was considered a big sum for the land.

Henderson continued Preaching and first church services were held in the Court House. Carrollton Methodist church was organized in 1836. Henderson's Preaching Circuit included more than a dozen stops in the area. He reached by horseback.

In 1848 Henderson was transferred to the West Texas Conference of the Methodist Church, South. Where he took his family and along with them came his daughter Lucinda and her husband Albert Greer Adams and their son Matthew Henderson Adams.

They first moved to Austin, Texas where, with a partner, he started a school. There he taught school and was a minister of the Gospel.

On 19 Dec 1849 he purchased 320 acres in Rusk District, Rusk Co., Texas. This area was mostly farm land where livestock along with corn, cotton and wheat were grown. It is not known what Henderson did with this purchase. Since Henderson's family had been in the cattle and horse business it is possible that he ran cattle and horses on this land. This could have very well been affected by the 1860 drought.

Later Henderson was transferred to Corpus Christi. There he preached the Word of God and taught school. In Corpus Christi he assisted in building the church with his own hands. He was superintendent of the area in 1867 and retained this position until his death in 1870. For 52 years he had been a faithful minister of the Gospel. Lucinda his daughter died the year her father died and Lucinda's husband Albert Greer Adams took their son Matthew H. Adams to live Oak County, where Albert raised his son and lived out his years. Nancy, Henderson's widow, went to live in DeWitt County Texas where in 1880 she was a guest in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Wofford and their family.

During his stay in Texas Henderson kept touch with his brother Lorenzo Dow Lafferty who had moved to Texas. When L.D. was incapacitated by Indian arrows and took a while to recuperate Henderson went to the home where L.D. was recuperating and provided money for his care.

Source: Lafferty, Genealogy, History Legend and myth by Wilson and Redman 1995. Pioneers and Makers of Arkansas; by Josiah Shinn 1908; Arkansas History Commission: Little Rock Arkansas. Izard Co. Historian, article by Lorenzo Dow Lafferty IV. Courtesy of his daughter Kathryn Lafferty of Melbourne, Arkansas; Austin Texas State Gazette. Courtesy of Lynda Matthews. Transcribe by Mary Lafferty Wilson.

Source: This next piece was written of Henderson by A.C. Jeffery 1877 in the Historical and Biographical Sketches of the Early Settlement of the Valley of White River with a History of Izard County: "Henderson Lafferty was the Methodist minister and pastor of the church and was teaching a school near Hively's mill. During recess he was walking in a very thick, brushy woods, when he heard a great racket coming toward him. It proved to be Hively trying to drive an unruly cow home: the preacher stood still and the cow ran past him. Very soon Hively came running on her trail but had lost sight of her about the time he was passing the preacher, who was hidden in the brush. Hively jumped up on a log to look for the cow, but she was out of sight, and then he burst into a great rage. "G-d D-n you to hell," he said to himself. Immediately he hung his head and continued: "there old devil, you have gotten one oath out of me, take it and go to hell with it." [Hively Mill was at the mouth of Piney Creek, Izard County off the Strawberry River]

John and Sarah Lafferty. From Historical and Biographical Sketches of the Early Settlement of White River, Together with a history of Izard Co. by A.C. Jeffery written 1877---- "On South Bank of the White River old man Lafferty settled opposite the south mouth of Lafferty Creek, bringing with him from East Mississippi River, considerable livestock. He was living at this place in the time of the earth quake of 1811, and reported he saw the bottomless well near his landing blown out. He said there came a terrific shock , and muddy water raised from one side of the river to the other with a great explosion near the south bank where this well appeared. It is about the size of a small cabin at the mouth, and has been sounded over two hundred feet without finding any bottom. This well remains to be seen, a silent witness of God's Power." After her husband died Sarah Lafferty became a Pillar of the Methodist Church in Independence County, always kept an open house and fed all who came there, Indian and White alike. "On descending five miles, we stopped at Mr. Williams's to prepare breakfast. Here some hunters were gathering to hear an Itinerant preacher. Thirty miles below we stopped for the night at widow Lafferty's, on the right bank of the river. Some excitement prevails among the people occupying the right bank of the White River, on account of the recent treaty concluded with the Cherokee Indians. By it those Indians relinquish certain tracts of land in the state of Tennessee, but are to received in exchange the lands lying between the north bank of Arkansas, and the south bank of the White River. Those people, therefore who have located themselves up on the right bank of the river, and improved farms, are not necessitate to relinquish them, which is considered a piece of injustice." Sunday Jan 17 th 1818. (by Schoolcraft)

Source: From Historical and Biographical Sketches of the Early Settlement of White River, Together with a history of Izard Co. by A.C. Jeffery written 1877 Schoolcraft in the Ozarks, reprint of Journal of a Tour into the Interior of Missouri and Arkansas in 1818 and 1819 by Henry R. Schoolcraft.

R L Landers, sheriff, Melbourne, Ark. R. L. Landers, was born in Bedford County, Tenn, in 1845, and is the son of George T. and Jane Browning) Landers, natives of respectively, of North and South Carolina. The parents came to Arkansas in 1861, and settled in Izard County where they reared a family of five children, four now living: Robert L.; Nanny J, wife of Guston Rose; Mary T, wife of J F Driskill; and G R, a farmer of this county. The father, George T. Landers, only lived three years after coming to Arkansas. He was a Democratic it his political prinicples. When he came to this state he brought with him fourteen Negroes and considerable money, and was quiet successful, financially, after coming here. The mother died in 1885. R. L. Landers was early taught the principles of farm life, and a limited education was obtained in the subscription schools of Tennessee, and Izard County, Arkansas. When seventeen years of age he superintended his father's plantation, and at the age of twenty-one, he commenced life for himself. In 1862 he enlisted as a private in Company E, Forty-seventh Arkansas infantry, under Capt., Gibson, and served west of the Mississippi River, until 1864. He was sergeant of his regiment at the time he was discharged. After the war he commenced tilling the soil, which occupation he followed until 1869, when he was elected sheriff, and held the office until 1875. He then returned to the farm and cultivated the soil until 1881, when he was again elected sheriff, and held this position for one term. In 1886 he was again chosen to discharge the duties of this office, and is present incumbent. Mr. Landers seems to have a peculiar fitness for this position, and his long service in this capacity has proven that he is surely the right man in the right place. During 1884 and 1885, he served as justice of the peace. By his marriage, which occurred in 1864, to Miss Sarah E. Shannon, were born the following living children: Mary E, wife of A. E. Felty; W. T., G. R., Frances T. and Rosa L. Mr Landers is the owner of about 5000 acres of land, with 140 acres under cultivation, and also has considerable town property. He is a Democrat in his political views, is a Royal Arch Mason, and is also a member of the Odd Fellow order. He and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.

Transcribed by Mary Lafferty Wilson. Source: Biographical & History of Arkansas by Goodspeed page 955 original published 1889 .

E G Landers, merchant, Melbourne, Ark. In the publishing an account of the industries and mercantile resources of the town of Melbourne, the house of Mr Landers; must not be forgotten, as it constitutes a most important factor in the commercial fabric of the town. Mr Landers was born in Bedford County, Tenn, on the 7th of May 1846. He attended the subscription schools, but only received a limited education and at the age of twenty-two started out in life for himself, first as a laborer in a gin. He then followed the carpenters trade for some time, and in 1864 joined the Confederate army, remaining in the service until June 1865, when he surrendered at Jacksonport, Ark. He was with Gen. Price on his raid through Missouri, in 1864 and 1865, and participated in nearly all the battled fought on the raid. In 1877 he engaged in merchandising at Lunenburg, under the firm title of Landers & bros., and continued thus until 1880, when his brother sold out and a new partner, S. R. Hinkle ,took his place. The firm is now Landers & Co., and do the largest business in the pace. They carry stock of goods that invoices at about $10,000 at the least, enjoying an annual trade of about $40,000. When first starting out in this business the firm had a capital of $1,000, Mr Landers putting in $750. Aside from his flourishing mercantile business, he owns about 400 acres of land and considerable town property. His marriage was consummated November, 1867, to Miss Martha A Hinkle , and by her he became the father of six children, five now living: Leanora (wife of William Blair); Robert O. (Deceased); Maggie; Effie G; J.H. and Maudie. Mr. and Mrs Landers, with the two eldest children, are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and he is a Democrat in politics. Mrs Landers is a member of the lady's department of the Masonic fraternity, and also of the Odd Fellow's order. Mt. Landers started with very little means, but he is now one of the most successful men of the county. He is the son of Roland and Martha G. (Landers) Landers, natives of north Carolina. The father was born in 1810, and died in 1878, the mother birth occurred in 1813 and she died in February, 1884, Roland Landers was coroner of Izard County for several years and was a cabinet maker by trade, although in his latter years he was engaged in tilling the soil. He accumulated considerable property previous to the war, but was not a slave holder. By this marriage which occurred in Tennessee, he became the father of these children.: Rebecca J. (Wife of Joe Arnold, of Melbourne); Sarah A. (Wife of G.W. Gray); Mary Francis (wife of G.W. Owens); H. B. (Farmer); Charlotte T. (Wife of T. H. Adams), E. G.; Genora D (wife of W.Z. Craig,) George W (of Batesville); John F. (Farmer) and Joe L (farmer).

Transcribed by Mary Lafferty Wilson. Source: Biographical & History of Arkansas by Goodspeed page 955 original published 1889 .

Nathan J. Langston is one of the oldest native residents of Izard County, and when his parents Nathan and Patty (Weir) Langston, made their first settlement in this region, Arkansas was a territory. They came here from their native State of North Carolina in 1814, and Mr. Langston and Col. Steward erected the first mill in the county, he and his four brothers being the ones to build it. They carried the logs on their shoulders, and had the mill completed in six days, and although it was a very rude construction, and only ground about a bushel of corn a day, yet it was sufficient to supply the demand, as the settlers at that day were very few. Nathan Langston, Sr. was only connected with this mill for about six months, when he turned his attention to farming, at which he was fairly successful, and in early days he also carried the mail for twelve years from Mount Olive, in Izard County, to Thomasville, MO., a distance of 160 miles, there being only four offices on the entire route. According to Mr. Langston the first post office in this county was at North Fork, which was also the first county seat. In 1838 it was moved to Calico Rock, afterward to Athens, at the mouth of the Piney Bayou, next to Mount Olive, and thence to Melbourne, where it now is. When Mr. Langston first came to Arkansas Batesville consisted of two pole cabins, and from Batesville to the mouth of the Big North Fork there were only five families living on the east side of the River. The west side was inhabited by Indians, who were very numerous at the time. The first year of his location Mr. Langston had to go to Helena, Ark, for flour and to Little Rock, Ark., to attend circuit court. He died in 1870 at the age of seventy - nine years. He was married twice, and by his first wife became the father of sixteen children, and by the last three. Those living are Absalom; Thomas B.; and Nathan J. whose name heads this sketch. The latter was born in the year 1830, was reared to a farm life, and at the early age of nineteen years was married to Miss. Rachel Adams, who died in 1856, three whom are living: Alex.; Mary, wife of Johnson Holfora; and Matthew R. Mr Langston married his second wife in 1859, she being a Miss Lucy A. Churchill, and five of the eleven children yet survive: Luvinia J., wife of James Brothers; Dempsia M.; Rebecca A.; Acenith B.; and Albert W. Mr and Mrs Langston are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and in his political views he is a Democrat. He owns a good farm comprising 120 acres, and has twenty-five acres under cultivation. Among his numerous acquaintances and friends the respect shown him by them is in full keeping with his well-established reputation for honesty of purpose and hospitality. Mr. Langston remembers many interesting facts connected with the early history of this county, which the limited nature of this volume will not admit of insertion.

Transcribed by Mary Lafferty Wilson. Source: Biographical & History of Arkansas by Goodspeed page 956 original published 1889 .

William Lawrence, farmer, Melbourne, Ark. In the early settlement of Izard County, Ark. Mr Lawrence bore a prominent part in developing and opening the way for civilization and is one of representative men of the county. He was born in Alabama, in 1823, and is the son of James and Cynthia (Franks) Lawrence, natives of Tennessee. James Lawrence moved to Alabama, in 1822, settling in Marion County, and after remaining there a short time removed to Fayette County, where he remained in 1839. From there he journeyed to Louisiana, entered land and followed farming for about two years, he moved to Izard County, Ark., and settled in Sylamore, now in Stone County. After a residence there of two years, he moved to the western part of the county, where he improved some government land. Two years later he moved to eastern part of the county and remained there until a short time previous to his death, when he went to live with his son, William Lawrence, and died there in 1859 , at the age of sixty-five or seventy years. He had held the office of justice of the peace in the county for four years, and ws an excellent citizen. He was twice married, his first wife being a Miss Tucker, who bore him five children, two sons and three daughters, all living at late accounts. They are named as follows: Martin; Edward; Sarah; Catherine and Mary. His second married was to Miss Cynthia Franks and to them were born nine children, two now living, William and James, who reside in this county. Mrs. Lawrence died in 1865. Both were members were members of the Baptist Church, and in politics he was a Democrat. William Lawrence was married in his twenty-third year and commenced work for himself by farming his own land, which he had purchased in the central portion of the county. He sold this farm in 1850 and entered his present property, which he has improved and which consists of 200 acres. He now has about seventy of seventy-five acres of cleared land, all the result of his own efforts, unassisted by any of his family. In 1862 he joined the Confederate army and served under Gen. Thompson and Capt. C. C. Cook until the close of hostilities, when he returned to his farm. He has been there times married, his first wife being Elizabeth King, whom he led to the alter in 1846, and the fruits of this union were six children, all living: James; G.E.; John, Isaac; Thomas and Edward. Mrs Lawrence died in 1859, a worthy member of the Baptist Church. His second marriage took place in 1861, to Miss Elizabeth Clark, who bore him five children, all living: Henry; Cynthia A., wife of J. W. Freeman; Mary F., at home; Rebecca J., at home; and Walter, also at home. The mother of these children was a member of the Baptist Church, and died in 1879. Mr. Lawrence's third marriage was to Mrs. A. N. Ivins (Bryant), a member of the Christian Church. He is a member of the Baptist Church, belongs to the Masonic Fraternity, and in his political views is a stanch Democrat.

Transcribed by Mary Lafferty Wilson. Source: Biographical & History of Arkansas by Goodspeed page 957 original published 1889 .

Dr. Samuel M. Lewis, Farmer and physician of Izard County, Ark., was born in Bledsoe County, Tenn, Dec 14, 1832 his parents, Reason and Patience (Peters) Lewis, being also natives of that state, The former's birth occurring in Bedford County, in 1809. Their union took place in Bledsoe, county, and to them were born four sons and five daughters, seven of their family being now alive, and all residents of the State of Tennessee except our subject. The father yet lives in Tennessee, and owns 6000 acres of as good land as there is in the State. He is a member of the Baptist Church, as was his wife who died in 1875. Dr Samuel M. Lewis, after acquiring a good common school education, entered the Hamilton College with the intention of studying medicine, having chosen that profession as his calling through life. After his marriage, which was celebrated on the 19th of September, 1858, to Miss Margaret Turk, he remained in his native State until 1867, at which time he settled in Maxfield, Sharp County, Ark., but for a long time has been a resident of Izard County. He has been very successful in his practice, and has always commanded a large and paying patronage, and occupies an enviable place among the medical brotherhood of Izard County. In addition to this work he has been engaged in farming, and is now the owner of about 640 acres of land, with about 330 acres under cultivation, of which 150 are in Sharp County. He has shown his approval of the secret organizations by becoming a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in the order has held the highest office. He and wife are classed among the worthy citizens of the county, and are consistent members of the Methodist Church. Their Children are as follows: Charles W.; Henry R.; James J.; George T; Joseph R.; William D.; John R.; Aque M.; and Lora A. Mrs Lewis is a daughter of George and Malinda Turk, both natives of Tennessee.

Transcribed by Mary Lafferty Wilson. Source: Biographical & History of Arkansas by Goodspeed page 957 original published 1889 .

Capt. Ransom W. Luther was born in the "Keystone State" in 1837, and is a son of Enoch Luther, whose birth occurred in Sugar Creek, Penn, in 1787. The latter received a limited education ,and when quiet a youth, learned the carpenter's trade. Which occupation he followed for a number of years, then learning the wheel write's trade. He was married in his native State , in 1807 to Miss Polly Bennett, her father being Elisha Bennett, and to them a large family of seventeen children were born, then of whom are living at the present time: Roswell; David; Enoch; Elliot; Ransom; Burton; Laura; Mary; Angeline; and Adeline. Mr Luther served in the War of 1812, and after hostilities had ceased, he returned home, and entered a tract of land embracing 160 acres, which he farmed for several years; then erected two large saw-mills and a grist- mill, which have been rebuilt and in good condition at the present time. For services rendered in the War of 1812, he received a grant of 160 acres of land in Knox County, Ill., from the government and at the time of his death, on the old "Luther's Mill Farm," in Pennsylvania, in 1859, he was the owner of 300 acres of land. Capt. Ransom Luther received a good business education in the "Luther's Mill Farm" school, and he has since put the education he acquired in this institution to the best use. He learned the millwright's trade under his father, afterward worked at the carpenter's trade and in time became a very fine architect, although in more recent years he has given his attention principally to milling as his chief calling. He is an experience carpenter and builder, and many evidences of his ability and skill in this direction are to be seen in his native State, Illinois, Iowa and Arkansas. He has always been an enterprising disposition, and in 1856 started out live for himself and moved to the State of Illinois, but two years later went back to his old home and was married there, in 1859 to Miss Sarah Knapp, a daughter of Charles Knapp, by whom he had one child Alice. He wedded his second wife, Miss Edna C. Scott, of Cherokee, Iowa, in 1871, and two interesting children, Eugene W. and Maud S., have bless this union. Capt. Luther removed from the state of Iowa to Benton County, Ark, in 1878 and purchased eighty acres of land near Marysville, which he used as a small cattle ranch. From this place he went to Eureka Springs in 1880 and erected a neat little cottage on Spring Street, near Crescent Spring, his place being generally known as " Eagle Cottage," and it is of his own architecture. Here he resided until 1883, whe he sold out to Dr. Swartly, of Chicago, for $2,350. After this the Captain and his family traveled for some months, and visited places of interest in Missouri, Illinois, Dakota and Arkansas, and in 1884 returned to this State and located on Lafferty's Creek, six miles west of Barren Fork, where with his brother-in-law, Mr Scott., He erected a large saw mill, which has been of great benefit to the surrounding country. In 1889 he sold his interest to Mr. Scott, and erected a grist-mill and cotton-gin just south of his former place of business, and at the present writing he is preparing to erect a commodious residence, and build a large dam to afford water power for his mill. In 1888 he gained 150 bales of cotton, and in his new mill he expects to bale at least 300. Capt. Luther is a jovial and hospitable gentleman, a throughly capable business man, and is ever ready to assist any good cause, either practically or financially. He approves of secret organizations, and is an active member of the I O O F. His wife and daughter, Alice, are consistent members of the Baptist Church. In 1861, upon the bursting of the war cloud, which had threatened the country for some time, he enlisted in the infantry, under Col. Dodge, of Pennsylvania, and was in the battles of Williamsburg, Four Oaks, Richmond, and Melbourne, and was also in the seven days retreat at Harrison's landing. He entered as a private, but for gallant services rendered, he was promoted to the rank of captain. He was honorably discharged in 1865.

Transcribed by Mary Lafferty Wilson. Source: Biographical & History of Arkansas by Goodspeed page 958 original published 1889 .

T. J. Mathews is a merchant and a farmer and residing at Calico Rock, and was born in Benton County, Tenn., being a son of Capt. R. D. and Nancy (Migell) Mathews, who were also Tennesseeans, and came to the State of Arkansas in 1860, settling in Izard County. Mathews embarked in merchandising in the house in which his son T. J. is now doing business, and he was also engaged in farming. In the spring of 1861 he moved to Pineville, where he conducted a general store for about one year, then joined the confederate army, and was elected captain of his company. After serving one year he was taken sick and returned home, and here continued during the remainder of the war. After the cessation of hostilities, he again embarked in merchandising , and continued this occupation with success for twelve or thirteen years, when he sold out to his sons, S. E. Mathews, and turned his attention to farming and stock raising, on the property where he now lives. His business ventures have been attended with good results, and the property he now owns has all been acquired since the war, as his losses during that time were very heavy. He was married about 1835, and his children's names are as follows: Margaret E, wife of W. McNeil; S. E, a merchant of Pineville; Clarissa E., wife of Dr. J A Schanks; Mary A, wife of Rufas P. Jones; and T. J., the subject of this memoir. Mrs. Matthew died in March, 1879, having been member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, for many years, her death occurring on the birthday, at the age of sixty years. Mr. Mathews is a Democrat, and belongs to the F & A M. T J Mathews birth occurred on the 6th of September, 1855, and his early education was received in the school of LaCrosse, Prof. M. Shelby Kennard being his instructor, and at the age of Twenty-five years he began life for himself as a merchant, this being the occupation to which he was reared. He has continued to follow this business up to the present time, and has been remarkably successful for, on starting for himself in 1880, his stock of goods amounted to $160, and his annual sales now aggregated between $12,000 and $16,000 , and he has an excellent tract of land, amounting to 538 acres, with nearly 164 acres under cultivation, all of which he has earned by good business management and industry, since the above-given date, and with the aid and assistance of his worth wife. Her maiden name was Mollie Wood, their union taking place on the 30th of October 1879, and they have an interesting little family of four children: Henry H, born October 4 1880; Shelby S, born December 15, 1882; Troy G, born February 3, 1885; and Winford F, Born May 23 1887. Mrs. Matthews was born in Izard County, on the 28th of November, 1863, and she and Mr Matthews are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and he belongs to the F & A M and is a Democrat politically.

Transcribed by Mary Lafferty Wilson. Source: Biographical & History of Arkansas by Goodspeed page 960 original published 1889 .

Dr R. H. Morton, Franklin, Ark. Dr. Morton is one of the oldest practitioners of Franklin Township, and one of the oldest in the county. He owes his nativity to Bedford County, Tenn, and is the son of Jacob and Annie (Fisher) Morton, natives of North Carolina. Jacob Morton received the average education in his native State, and came to Tennessee at an early date. He purchased a farm in Bedford County, and was one of the first settlers of Shelbyville. In connection with farming he also carried on the blacksmith trade, but his principal occupation was tilling the soil, which he gave his attention until his death in 1857. He was married in Tennessee, and he and wife commenced housekeeping on the Duck River, where they reared a large family of children, eight now living: Minerva, wife of B F Whitworth; Sophronia (deceased) was the wife of Michael Shofner; G W C (deceased), whose family resides in Bedford County, Tenn.; Daniel C resides in Coffee County, Tenn.; Nancy, wife of Edward Whitworth; Christina, wife of W. Tune; Emily, wife of Newton Neal; Ann, wife of B F Smawling; D E resides in Bedford County, Tenn.; Dr. R. H.; Jessie E, wife of T N Smith; Elijah A resides in Bedford County, Tenn, and Martha (deceased, wife of T. N. Smith. The father of these children served in the War of 1812, as a private and participated in the Battle of New Orleans. Mrs Morton died about 1869. Both were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr. Morton took an active interest in politics and was a very strong supporter of Old Hickory. Dr. R.H. Morton divided his time in early youth between assisting on the farm and in attending the free and subscription schools of Tennessee, where he received a good English education. He attended medical lectures at Nashville, Tenn., in 1856 and in 1857, and opened his first office at Poplin's Cross Roads, where he practiced for two years previous to graduating. He was then located in Missouri from 1858 to 1861 (Texas County). In the spring of the last mentioned year he served in the Confederate service as surgeon, and thus continued until 1863, when he resigned and located in Izard County, where he has since resided. He graduated at the American Medical College , at St. Louis in 1878 and is the oldest practicing physician in the county. He has almost abandoned the practice of his profession in the late years, and is not interested in agricultural pursuits. The Doctor was married in September, 1857, to Miss Emma A Nichols, of Tenn., but they have never had any children. He is quite well fixed financially, and enjoys life to the fullest extent. He is a member of the A F & A M, is also a member of the I O O F, and has been treasurer of the former lodge, holding the position of the Vice-Grand, Commander, and others in the latter lodge. He is a Democrat in Politics, but has never been an office seeker. He is a member of the Christian Church. The Doctor owns considerable land, and has on his home place about seventy-five acres under cultivation. He has good barns, out buildings etc. His residence is one of the finest in the county, and there he entertains his friends in the social pleasant manner peculiar to him, and the stranger also meets with a ready welcome from the Doctor and his agreeable wife. Although children were denied their union, the Doctor and wife have reared several who were left orphans.

Transcribed by Mary Lafferty Wilson. Source: Biographical & History of Arkansas by Goodspeed page 961 original published 1889 .

Jacob Mosier, Sr., was born on the Potomac River, in Lincoln County, N C, in 1821. His Father, Barnett M.Mosier, was also a native of that State his birth Occurring in 1799, and was married to Margaret, a daughter of Corb. Gobble, Their union taking place when he was eighteen years of age. In 1832 he removed with his family to Independence County, Ark. And purchased and entered land there to the amount of 320 acres, which land he was engaged in farming up to the time of his death, in 1864. His children are: Mary J; Allen B.; George W; Henry A; Jacob and Jack. Jacob Mosier removed to Arkansas with his parents, and on his father's farm in, Independence County, he learned the details of farm work, which occupation has received his attention up to the present time. He is one of the leading husband men of this vicinity, and has 250 acres of well improved and well cultivated land. He was one of the pioneer of the State, and during his early history he carried the surveyor's chain through this section, this being some fifty years ago. He is one of the hard-working men of Izard County, and owning to his many worthy characteristics, chief among them may be mentioned his generosity and honesty, he is respected and esteemed by all. In 1854 he took a trip to California. He was married, in 1846 to Miss. Melissa A. Romenor, by whom he has a family of seven children: Mary J.; William H.; Jacob; Charles M.; Cordelia; Sarah A. and Martha. Mr Mosier and his wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and he belongs to the I O O F.

Transcribed by Mary Lafferty Wilson. Source: Biographical & History of Arkansas by Goodspeed page 962 original published 1889 .

James H. Mullins was born in the "Old Dominion," on the 18th March, 1839, and is a son of Hiram R. Mullins, who was born in North Carolina, in 1794, and was educated in that State. He moved to Tennessee in 1815, and was there married to Nancy Shingleton, a native of Virginia and to their union eleven children were born, six of whom are living, three being residents of Arkansas and thee of Kentucky. The father was one of the honest sons of the soil, and upon his death, in 1850, was the owner of 220 acres of productive and valuable land. His wife died in Arkansas, Aug 13, 1886, both having been members of the Methodist Church, and he a member of the Masonic lodge. James H. Mullins was an energetic and enterprising disposition he determined to seek his fortune in what he considered a more favorable locality, and accordingly, in 1863, moved to the State of Arkansas and engaged in business for himself, his capital consisting of a span of horses and the energy and pluck which nature has bestowed upon him. He immediately engaged in farming, and that he was been successful in shown when the fact is mentioned the he owns 250 acres of land, with about 125 acres under cultivation. Notwithstanding that he was severely wounded in the left writes in the year os 1862 at the battle of Oak Hill, being left a cripple for life, he has succeeded far beyond his expectation, and can look back over a useful and well spent life. He and wife, whose maiden name was Minerva Kings, and whom he married on the 23d of June, 1863, are worth and consistent members of the Baptist Church, and both are liberal contributors to all charitable and worth enterprise. He is a Mason, has been postmaster of Evening Shade for three years, constable two years, and deputy sheriff six months. His children are: Eliza A. (Mrs. T. D. Starkey); Albert F.; Hiram R.; Josephine; Robert C.; Nancy M.; Sarah R; and William E. In the late war Mr Mullins served from 1862 till November 1864.

Transcribed by Mary Lafferty Wilson. Source: Biographical & History of Arkansas by Goodspeed page 962 original published 1889 .

William S. Nail was born in Lawrence County, Tenn., in 1820, and his father Archie, was a native of Alabama, but was married in Tennessee to Miss. Morrow, by whom he reared a family of four Children: William; Franklin; Thomas and Mary A. Archie Nail was a soldier in the War of 1812, and died in the State of Tennessee, in 1830, he having followed the occupation of farming and black smithing all his life. William S. Nail learned these occupations of his father and in addition to farm work, which has always received his attention, he has been faithful to the hammer and anvil also. In 1845, he moved from Tennessee to Mississippi, ane there engaged in black smithing until 1856, and when he came to Independence County (now Izard County, Ark, and purchased land to amount of 120 acres, and in 1867 built a cotton-gin on this farm which has been in operation ever since. His land now comprises of 280 acres, seventy -five being in a tillable condition, and a portion of his of his mountainous land is underlaid with valuable minerals. He raises, cotton, corn, and small grains on his cultivated lands, and is acknowledged by all to be one of most reliable citizens of LAFFERTY Township. In 1840 he was married to Miss Melinda, the daughter of Thomas Williamson, of Mississippi, and of eight children born to the following are living: Thomas; Mary E.; Catherine F. and Charley L. Mr. Nail belongs to the I O O F, and he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.

Transcribed by Mary Lafferty Wilson. Source: Biographical & History of Arkansas by Goodspeed page 963 original published 1889 .

Thomas A. Nail is one of the industrious farmers and law-abiding citizens of Izard County, Ark, and has a good farm of 160 acres, which he has acquired by his own energy and good management since the close of the Civil War. His property is located on Lafferty's creek and is considered very valuable underlaid with miner ore in paying quantities. Twenty-five acres are under the plow, and are in exceedingly fertile condition. Mr. Nail was born in the State of Mississippi in 1842, and at an early age of eighteen years he was united in the bonds of matrimony to Miss Sallie Brown, a daughter of Levi Brown, of Izard County. To them were born a family of three children: William A.; Mary F. and Charles F. When the Civil War broke out he, in 1862, joined the calvary under Capt. George W. Rutherford, now of Indecence County Ark., and was in many important engagements during his service. He surrendered at Jacksonport and returned home, and has since given his attention to farming with the above mentioned results. He is a son of William S. Nail, whose sketch precedes this.

Transcribed by Mary Lafferty Wilson. Source: Biographical & History of Arkansas by Goodspeed page 963 original published 1889 .

Joel D. Patterson has been familiar with far work from his earliest youth, and is now ranked among the prosperous farmers of Izard County. He was born in North Carolina in 1826 and is a son of David and Mecca (Holder) Patterson, who were also born in the "Old North State." In 1846 David Patterson removed to Kentucky, where he engaged in farming, having previously worked at house carpentering and cabinet making in his native state. He was also married there in 1825, and to him and wife were born eight children, five of whom are living: J. D.; Caroline, wife of La Fayette Wright, of Kentucky; Susan, wife of M. V. Belma, of Kentucky; Francis M, a blacksmith, also residing in Kentucky, and Mary, wife of C. C. Ashworth, of Tennessee. Mr. Patterson volunteered, but did not serve in the war of 1812. He died on 16 of May, 1855, at the age of sixty-six years followed to his long home by his wife in 1883, her death occurring at the age of seventy-eight years. They were members of the Baptist Church, and were worthy and honored citizens. Joel D. Patterson attended the common schools of North Carolina, and after his removal to Kentucky with his parents, he gave his attention to agricultural pursuits, with the exception of two years, when he worked in a wagon shop. In 1859, he moved to Izard County, Ark and entered 160 acres of land now near the town of Philadelphia, where he resided two years, then upon the opening of the Civil War, he returned to Kentucky, where his attention was given to farming for four years. He then came back to his farm in Izard County, but about two years later traded it for another place, but also disposed of this at the end of two years. He then purchased and has since resided in Fulton County. He was married, in 1853, to Miss Miranda Egbert, of Kentucky, and five of their eight children are now living: James R. who is now residing in Smithville, Ark, but expects soon to go to Texas; Joel B, residing in Indian Territory; Francis L,; Marcus L. and Hiram E. Mr and Mrs Patterson are members of the Baptist Church, and he is a Democrat politically, and is decidedly in favor of all movement which promise to benefit the community in which he resides.

Transcribed by Mary Lafferty Wilson. Source: Biographical & History of Arkansas by Goodspeed page 963 original published 1889 .

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