Biographies
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William R. Albright was born in North Carolina on the 16th of
November, 1849, and is a son of Alvis and Mary (Stockard) Albright, both of
whom were born in North Carolina, also, and were there reared, educated and
married. Five sons and five daughters blessed their union: Samuel, George A.,
Alson G., Peggie, Nancy A., Julia E., William R., Franklin P., Mary Jane and
Harriet E. Alvis Albright was a Mason, and he and wife were members of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, in which faith he died, on March 3, 1881. His
widow still survives him, and finds a pleasant home among her children, but the
most of her time is spent in Izard County, with one of her children. William R.
Albright acquired a good practical education in Independence County, and was
married on the 22d of February, 1877, to Miss Mary Ann Meacham, who was also
born, March 2, 1855, in this State and county. Their family numbers four
children, three sons and one daughter: Alvis E. and William F. (twin sons, born
June 22, 1880), Oscar A. and Cora L. Mr. Albright owns a farm of 300 acres, and
is careful and painstaking in the cultivation of his land, and is very thorough
in everything connected with its managememt. One hundred acres he devotes to
the raising of the different cereals. He has been secretary and conduetor,
holding also other offices in the order of the I. O. O. F., of which
organization he is a member, and he and Mrs. Albright have been members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, South, for some time.
William Allen, farmer and stock raiser, Cord, Ark. The subject of
this sketch is so well known that an introduction to the public seems
unnecessary. Mr. Allen is a native Tennesseean, born in Wilson County, on the
24th of November, 1815, and is the son of George and Sallie (Johnson) Allen,
natives, respectively, of South Carolina and North Carolina, the former born on
the 2d of August, 1781, and died in June, 1867, and the latter born on the 23d
of June, 1786, and died in 1851. They were married in Wilson County, Tenn., in
1805, and in 1818 he, with his family and nine other families, took a keel-boat
and sailed, on he Cumberland River, for the Red River country. On their arrival
at Chickasaw Bluffs (now Memphis), they were informed that the commissioners
were negotiating for the Northwest Territory; and as the treaty was
successfully completed, and the Territory included the portion of country they
were then in, they settled there, two miles east of the present site of the
town of Memphis. They remained in the western part of Tennessee for six years,
engaged in farming and hunting, and bought a herd of wild cattle, which they
had great difficulty in managing. Some stories connected with their wild woods
experiences were very exciting and interesting. Seeing that the rapid
settlement of the country was dispersing the game, Mr. Allen removed with his
family to Independence County, Ark., settled in Oil Trough Bottom, which was
then a dense and pathless canebrake, abounding in wild animals, and after
remaining there a few months, came to Bayou Curie Creek, and bought a small
farm, where he passed his last days. He was an old-line Whig, and was under
Gen. Jackson in the War of 1812. His father was a Revolutionary soldier. He was
a great lover of hunting, and followed this pursuit as long as he lived,
killing a deer only a few months before his death. He died at the age of
seventy-seven, and his wife at the age of seventy-five, both members of the
society of the Latter Day Saints. William Allen was reared to farm life, and
received a limited education in the common schools of Arkansas. He was but
fourteen or fifteen years of age when he came with his parents to this State,
and was well schooled in the wooderaft of those pioneer days. He was reared
principally on bear and deer meat. He assisted his father in clearing land, and
in other farmwork, until seventeen years of age, when he hired to a man at
Batesville, to assist a gang of men in clearing 300 acres of the heavy bottom
land opposite Memphis. Here he worked for three months at $12 per month (his
first earned money), and then returned to his home in Arkansas. He then engaged
in farming, raised a crop, and hired out the same year to William Strong for
$20 per month. Strong was a Government contractor, and young Allen worked on
the Memphis & Little Rock Railroad, known then as the St. Louis & Little Rock
road. In 1837 Mr. Allen secured employment as fireman on a steamboat, and later
assisted in the building of a house in Batesville. During the winter of 1838 he
worked in Oil Trough Bottom, gathering corn, and in 1839 he made a crop on the
same farm. On the 26th of January, 1840, he wedded Miss Sarah Speers, a native
of Lauderdale County, Ala., and the same year made a crop in Lawrence County.
Also, the same year, he moved to Independence County, and on the 23d of March,
1841, settled on the place where he now lives. When he first came there, there
were a small log cabin on it, and 800 rails split. He at once began clearing
land, and erected suitable buildings, erecting the house in which he now lives
in 1843. During that year and the two following he ran rafts of cypress logs to
New Orleans, and on his return from that city, in 1849, he bought a land
warrant for $125 from a Mexican soldier (James Bullard), and laid the same on
the 160 acres of land where he lived, thus securing title to the same. Since
that time he has added to his farm, until he has now 480 acres, with 200 acres
cleared. He has on this farm three tenant houses. To his first marriage were
born seven children, only one now living, William T., who was born December 30,
1863, is married, and is one of the prosperous farmers of Independence County.
Of the deceased, all of whom were daughters: Two died in infancy; Mrs. Nancy J.
Lawrence was born on the 10th of February, [p.632] 1841, and died in September,
1866; Mrs. Polly A. Young, was born October 20, 1846, and died in September,
1866; Mrs. Julia Young, was born on the 8th of April, 1849, and died on the 6th
of March, 1881, and Mrs. Sarah E. Lambert, born March 23, 1851, and died on the
11th of ovember, 1874. The mother of these children, Mrs. Sarah (Speers) Allen,
died on the 13th of November, 1875, and was a woman loved and esteemed by all
who knew her. On the 25th of December, 1876, Mr. Allen married Mrs. Abbie Ann
(McDougall) Smart, relict of William P. Smart, a farmer of Tennessee. She is
the daughter of Robert and Amanda (May) McDougall, the latter still living and
making her home with her daughter (Mrs. Allen). She is now eighty-seven years
of age. Mrs. (Smart) Allen has four children: Rufus, living in Oregon; Abbie A.
is the wife of Andrew Parr, farmer of Black River Township; Amanda is the widow
of Nelson N. Winkles, and Lutie is the wife of William Winkles, and lives in
Black River Township. Mr. Allen has given his attention to agricultural
pursuits all his life, and has been successful. He votes with the Republican
party, but does not take an active part in politics. His first presidential
vote was cast for William H. Harrison, and his last for Benjamin Harrison. He
gives an amusing account of the former campaign, of the log-cabin, cider
drinking, cheering, etc. During the late war he remained at home, never
entering the service, but was in sympathy with the Union. He has never aspired
to office, though frequently solicited by his friends to do so; has never
submitted, but has served his full share on the grand jury. He is a member of
Bayou Dota Lodge No. 126, A. F. & A. M. Mrs. Allen is a member of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Dr. Sterling W. Allen. The name of Allen is one of the most influential in
Floral, and one of the most respected in this community. Dr. Allen is a native
of Wilson County, Tenn., born February 13, 1822, and received his education in
private schools. He then began the study of medicine, graduated from Memphis
(Tenu.) Medical College, in 1848, and began practicing the same year. He
married Miss Melissa Carter, of South Carolina, born in the year 1825, and the
fruits of this union were three living children–Sarah Jane, Mary W. and Martha
L. Dr. Allen was in the late war as a surgeon under Gen. McRhea, and
participated in the battles of Ironton, Pilot Knob and West Port. Aside from
his profession, he is also engaged in agricultural pursuits, and is the owner
of 1,260 acres of land. In politics his principles coincide with those of the
Democratic party. He and Mrs. Allen are members of the Methodist Church, and
are held in high esteem by all acquainted with them. The Doctor is a genial,
generous gentleman, and is liberal and progressive in his ideas. His parents,
John and Sarah (Craig) Allen, were both natives of South Carolina, but later in
life they moved to Fayette County, Tenn., where they passed the remainder of
their days. To their marriage were born twelve children, the Doctor being the
only survivor. The grandparents were from the Emerald Isle.
Dr. John Farrell Allen, a retired physician of great prominence, now
residing in Batesville, was born in New Madrid County, Mo., March 29, 1824. He
is a son of Samuel W. and Cecelia (LeSieur) Allen, his father a native of
Alexandria, Va., and his mother a native of Missouri. The maternal grandfather
was a French Canadian, whose ancestors came originally from France to Canada,
and from there he moved to the State of Missouri, about the beginning of the
eighteenth century, residing in that State until the time of his death. The
paternal grandfather, Salathiel, was a Virginian by birth, and a sea captain
who was lost at sea from his own vessel, together with a cousin, John Farrell,
for whom our subject was named. Samuel W. Allen, the father of Dr. John F.,
died in 1863, followed by the mother in 1868. They were among the earlý
settlers of Southeast Missouri, and were married in 1823, having but one child,
a son. An incident worth noting is that for four generations only one son has
been born to each family. The Doctor was reared in New Madrid County, and
received his degree of A. B. in Perry County, at a Roman Catholic college. At
the age of twenty years he began the study of medicine, spending two years
under a private instructor, Dr. John Kirkwood. [p.633] He then entered the
University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, Penn., and graduated in the spring
of 1847. From there he came to Batesville, where he remained but a short time,
when he moved to New Orleans. He stopped here only a few months, however, and
in 1848 returned to Batesville and began to practice his profession, making
this place his permanent home. The Doctor's skill soon received a widespread
reputation, as he was earnest in his profession, and made it his study and
business. His practice was at one time probably the largest in Northern
Arkansas, but within the last few years he has retired from the practice of his
profession. He has accumulated considerable real estate, and owns several good
farms, which are cared for by tenants. The Doctor has the credit of having
given the Arkansas College, located at Batesville, its name, and is a trustee
of that excellent institution of learning. He is one of the pioneer physicians
who could append M. D. to his name, and became one of the most popular in
Independence County, and the number of his friends are many. Dr. Allen was
married, April 25, 1849, to Miss Mary E. Agnew, of Pennsylvania, a daughter of
Dr. James Agnew, of Pittsburg, who graduated from the University of
Pennsylvania in 1800, twenty-four years before the subject of this sketch was
born. She is a sister of Chief Justice Agnew, of Pennsylvania. The Agnew family
are lineal descendants of the Howells, Mrs. Allen's grandfather, Richard
Howell, being governor of New Jersey for many consecutive years, and she is
also a first cousin of the wife of the Confederate leader, Jeff. Davis. Mrs.
Davis is a Howell. Dr. and Mrs. Allen are the parents of four daughters and one
son, only two of whom now survive the mother. Those yet living are Sarah (Mrs.
Theodora Maxfield). Samuel W. and Mary. The latter and the Doctor are members
of the Presbyterian Church, and he takes great interest in religious matters,
as in educational affairs also, at Arkansas College, and has done a great deal
for the advancement of school interests in Independence County. He has been
identified with Batesville for forty-three years, as one of its leading
spirits, and has the reputation of a skillful physician, and, as far as he
himself is concerned, has never been upon a bed of sickness, though now in his
sixty-sixth year. Active and earnest in all he undertakes, he says, jocularly,
he could never find time to be sick. At heart, however, he attributes to God
all his blessings, good health being one of the many.
Andrew Allen, one of the most extensive planters and land-owners of
Independence County, resides in Greenbriar Township. He was born at Arkansas
Post January 4, 1827, and when but six weeks old was taken by his parents to
Independence County, which county has ever since been his home. Abraham and
Sebella Allen, parents of Andrew, settled six miles east of Batesville,
afterward removing to a point south of the river, where the father died, May
22, 1873; he was a farmer and blacksmith, and at the time of his death was one
of the most wealthy men in the county. Abraham Allen was born in Orange County,
N. C., where he was reared and married; he afterward lived some time in
Tennessee before his removal to Arkansas, in 1827. He was of Irish-English
descent, served in one of the Indian wars, and was well known and respected.
His father, Samuel Allen, was one of the pioneers of Independence County, where
he lived a number of years, but spent the latter part of his life in Texas. The
maternal grandfather of our subject was Andrew Allen, brother of Samuel, and he
was also an early settler of Independence County, where he and wife died,
leaving several sons and daughters. The mother of our subject died when he was
young, and the father married again. Andrew received a limited common-school
education, and at the age of twenty-one years engaged in farming for himself.
In 1861 he enlisted in Company D, Eighth Arkansas Infantry, and did service in
Kentucky and Tennessee until after the battle of Shiloh, when the army was re-
organized at Corinth, Miss., and he was discharged. He later joined Gen.
Price's army, and was with him on the raid in Missouri and Arkansas. In 1867
Mr. Allen married Emily P., daughter of Madison C. and Mary E. Snapp, natives,
respectively, of Virginia and East Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. Snapp were married in Tennessee, and soon after moved to Arkansas, thence to Polk County,
Mo., where Mrs. Allen was born. Mrs. Snapp died in 1871, and Mr. Snapp, in
Missouri, in February, 1889; he was a farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Allen have one son,
Robert Lee. Mr. Allen has resided on his present farm since the war. He owns
about 1,800 acres of land, 1,500 of which are fine bottom land; he inherited a
large amount from his father, but has enlarged his property by his own efforts,
and is one of the most successful and enterprising farmers in the county. He
devotes some attention to good cattle-breeding, and takes great interest in
stock raising. Mr. Allen's residence is four miles southeast of Batesville.
Politically, he is a Democrat.
William A. Allen, an extensive and highly-respected farmer of Batesville, was
born in 1842, within eight miles of that place. His parents were Abraham and
Isabella Allen, of North Carolina, who, on their journey to the West, first
settled in Tennessee, and then in the State of Arkansas. They moved to
Independence County in 1827, and located within six miles of Batesville, and
afterward to a point south of the river, where the father died, in 1873, over
eighty years of age. He left a fortune of $20,000, and considerable landed
estate at the time of his death, and had been one of the most successful
farmers of that period. He was upright and honest in all his dealings with
mankind, and his name was one that commanded respect in every grade of society.
William A. Allen was the youngest of the family, and remained with his parents
until the latter days of the war between the North and South, when he enlisted
in Company C, of Col. Dobbins' regiment, and fought for the Confederate cause.
His career through the war was short, but brilliant, and though not on the
victorious side, after the surrender at Jacksonport, he still bore the honors
of a brave soldier. In 1866 he was married to Miss Nancy A., daughter of Joel
and Matilda McClendon, of Mississippi. Mrs. McClendon, the mother, died three
years after her arrival in Independence County, and the father survived her for
four years, leaving four sons and six daughters at the time of his death, of
whom five are yet living. Mr. Allen and his wife have had their union blessed
with six children, although one of them has since died. The names of those
living are Abraham, Andrew, George William, Ida and Emily. The family resided
on the old farm south of the river until February, 1889, and then moved to
Batesville, where Mr. Allen has a fine residence. He owns three tracts of land
comprising about 840 acres, and has some 300 acres under cultivation. Part of
his land he inherited from his father, and his own good judgment and natural
ability have added the rest. He is a Democrat in politics, and a strong
upholder of the principles of that party, and is a member of Neill Lodge No.
285, A. F. & A. M., of Jamestown. Mr. Allen also belongs to the I. O. O. F.,
being a member of the Batesville Lodge. He is one of the leading farmers of
Independence County, and a man whose opinion and advice are always received
with the fullest confidence. Mrs. Allen is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, South, and is well known for her generosity and the interest she takes
in all matters pertaining to that church.
John D. Aydelott, a successful farmer of Oil Trough, is the son of A.
P. Aydelott and Martha J. Aydelott, who were the parents of twelve children,
John D. being the fourth child. Five lived to be grown: M. J., J. D., A. W., S.
E. and A. P. Aydelott, Jr., who is also a successful farmer in Oil Trough. A.
P. Aydelott, Sr., was one of the oldest settlers of Oil Trough Bottom, coming
to Oil Trough in 1844, bringing the first stock of goods that was sold in Oil
Trough. He bought 240 acres of land from Joe Egner, and cleared 200, and farmed
and made stock raising a success. At the beginning of the Civil War Mr. A. P.
Aydelott was opposed to the States seceding, but after they did he cast his lot
with the Confederacy. In politics before the war he was a Whig, but afterward a
Democrat. A. P. Aydelott came to Arkansas from Tennessee in 1836, first
settling in Little Rock, afterward Elizabeth, thence to Oil Trough, where he
and his wife (whom he married in 1844), Martha J. Birdsong, also of Tennessee,
lived happily together until death claimed the father and [p.635] husband,
October 16, 1880. His widow and the mother of our subject, followed August 26,
1884. They were buried in the family graveyard on the farm. They were both
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. The five children living are
all doing well. One girl, S. E., is an invalid, and lives with the youngest
brother.
John Bailey, farmer, Floral, Independence County, Ark. Tennessee has given to
Independence County many prominent citizens, but she has contributed none more
universally respected or more worthy of esteem than the subject of this sketch.
He was born in Smith County on the 12th of September, 1822, and is the son of
Wiatt W. Bailey and Dolly (Tinsley) Bailey, both natives of Virginia, the
father born in Campbell County, and the mother in Amherst County. They moved to
Smith County, Tenn., in 1818, and here the father was elected sheriff of the
county, in the spring of 1838, which office he held for six years. He died in
that county in 1864, and the mother in 1871. The paternal grandparents, William
and Sarah Bailey, were natives of Campbell County, Va., and died at a good old
age in Smith County, Tenn. John Bailey is now successfully following the
occupation to which he was reared, and which has been his life work, a calling
that has for ages received undivided efforts from many worthy individuals, and
one that always furnishes sustenance to the ready worker. He came to Izard
County, Ark., in 1853, resided there three years, and in 1856 came to
Independence County, where he was elected sheriff in 1860. This position he
held two years, during which time he was a resident of Batesville, removing to
his present home in 1863. He is the owner of 2,000 acres of land, a part in
Independence County, and some in different counties of the State. He has about
150 acres of this land under cultivation, with most of it in cotton and corn.
Mr. Bailey was married to Charlotte B. Nail, of Tennessee, in 1844. She died
four years later, leaving two children, Dorothea Ann and Charlotte Olive, the
latter dying two months after its mother. For his second wife Mr. Bailey chose
Miss Sarah E. Harper, a native of Smith County, Tenn., born December 1, 1834.
To them were born ten children: William H., Harriet E. John B., Edward Everett,
James Madison, Archi bald D., Thomas Franklin, Mary Frances, Emil. J. and
Martha Ann. Mr. Bailey served during the late unpleasantness between the North
and South, from July 17, 1864, until the surrender He was at the battles of Big
Creek, Pilot Knob and in many minor engagements. He served under Col. Dobbins.
In November, 1864, he returned to his duties on the farm, which he continued
until his election to the office of sheriff of Independence County, in 1874,
which position he held for one term. He then returned to his farm. He and wife
are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, his first wife also being
a member. He is a member of the Masonic lodge at Cedar Grove, also an Odd
Fellow in good standing in Batesville Lodge. In politics he is a Democrat, and
is also an enthusiastic supporter of all public enterprises. He is at present
school director of District No. 40, Independence County.
Peter K. Baker, farmer and stock raiser, Dota, Ark. The subject of
this sketch needs no introduction to the people of Independence County, Ark.,
for he is one of the oldest and most esteemed citizens of the same, and one
whose integrity and honesty of purpose are unquestioned. He was born in Middle
Tennessee, on the 23d of February, 1819, and is the tenth of a family of eleven
children born to John and Nancy (Carter) Baker, natives of North Carolina. The
father was born about 1776, and could remember some incidents of the
Revolution. He was a farmer, and followed this calling all his life. He was
married, in his native State, to Miss Carter, who was born in 1789, and
afterward they moved to Tennessee on a pack-horse, carrying two children. This
was in 1807. They resided there about sixteen years, and then, in about 1823,
moved to West Tennessee, where they spent the remainder of their days, the
father dying in 1842, and the mother in 1844. Both were Christians, the father
a member of the Methodist Church, and the mother of the Baptist. Of the eleven
children born to their marriage only two are now living–James G., a successful
farmer, married, and living in Calloway County, Ky., and Peter K., who
represents this sketch. The latter passed his youthful days in assisting on the
farm, and in attending the common schools of Henry County, Tenn. At the age of
eighteen years he began learning the cabinetmaker'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
Independence 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; Erasmus F. was born on the 13th of December, 1846, is married
and lives in the Lone Star State; William 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 married, 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
Arkansas 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 gricultural 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 sympathies were with the Confederacy. He maintained 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 presidential 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 Baptist, 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, Independence 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 education 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 marriage 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 twenty-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 opportunities might envy. He is a citizen whom Independence
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 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 Independence County, and remained under the parental 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, belonging to Neill Lodge, Jamestown, and also a member of the
Methodist Church, as is his wife. In his political views he affiliates with the
Democratic 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 received 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 November, 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 January, 1889. Mrs. Baker died on the 24th of November,
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 opportunity 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 Minerva 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
organization for some time. He is universally respected 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
Tenness****u 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 exceedingly 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 excellent product. He is a Mason, and has
been secretary 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 discharged 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.
He is a native of the county in which he now resides. 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 attending 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 excellent 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 Republican 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, 1888, at the age of fifty-nine years, eight months and twenty-five
days. Mr. Barnes is a Mason, a Republican, and a successful farmer. He is
probably of English ancestry. He and wife became the parents of the following
family: Nancy (Reeves); William P., who died at Helens, 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.
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 indentified 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, respectively. The father
settled in Owen County, Ind., in 1831, locating at Gosport, and was a tanner by
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 emigrated 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 occupation, and died in that
county in his eighty-fourth year. The paternal grandfather died in Kentucky. J.
M. Bartlett's youth and early manhood 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 October,
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 sandstone quarry
near Batesville, and is president of the Zinc-Blende Mining Company, who are
operating 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 September, 1869, at Charleeton, Ill., Miss Mary A. Dunivin, 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.
Elisha Baxter, ex-governor of the State of Arkansas and whose name
has been famous before the nation for many years. was born in Rutherford
County. N. C., September 1, 1827. His father was William Barter. 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
afterward married Miss Sarah Berryhill. This happy union gave them four
daughters and five sons whose names are Margaret. James, Joseph, William,
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 legislature and speaker of the house in 1852. He
moved to Knoxville, Tenn., in 1854, and was a member of the constitutional
convention that adopted the present constitution of that State. He was
appointed United States circuit judge by President 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 Arkansas' most
noted governors. Elisha Barter received a good moral training in his youth,
but, 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
****utherfordton, 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 of 1853 ****e again entered into business, this time 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 polities 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 unfortunate
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 carpenter's trade. In this he succeeded, and soon regained part of his
fallen fortune. Elisha repaired to the office of the Independent Balance, a
newspaper 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 supervision of the Hon. H. F. Fairchild. He
soon afterward was admitted to the bar, and since then has practiced his
profession, except when filling office. He was a Whig in polities, and a strong
adherent of that party until it disbanded, in 1855. Mr. Barter then attempted
to co-operate with the Democratic 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
Independence County, which had not elected a 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 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 Confederates 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. Overtaking 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:
"Not because I think you ought not to whip the rebellious, but because I feel
that I, who am Southern born and raised, ought not to take arms against my
neighbors and friends."
He did not get to see or hear from his family for almost a year, and
in the spring of 1863 he was captured by a squad of Southern cavalry commanded
by Col. Newton. On arriving at headquarters he received such courtesy from Col.
Newton, and discovered in him such military genius, that afterward, when he
became governor, and felt it his duty to appoint a major-general for active
operations in the field, he did not hesitate to bestow the commission on Col.
Newton, who had paroled him at Fredericktown, Mo., with an escort of two men,
and required him to report to Gen. Holmes at Little Rock. He had scarcely left
Newton's camp when he came in full view of the Federal army, in which one of
his friends urged him to join them, but he replied that he had given his pledge
of honor to report at Little Rock, which he did, and Gen. Holmes
unceremoniously turned him over to the civil authorities, who assigned him to
the Pulaski County jail to await an indictment for treason against the
Confederate States. In due time the indictment was found, and he was arraigned
before Judge Ringold, William M. Randolph acting as district attorney. The case
was continued until the next term of court, and through the agency of some
friends he managed to escape from jail, and after concealing himself for
eighteen days near Little Rock, without any shelter and barely enough food to
live, he succeeded in making his way into the Federal army, then at Little
Rock, Gen. Steels having captured and occupied that place on September 10,
1863. In all this time he was abused, verbally and through the press, being
branded as a coward by the True Democrat, of Little Rock, citing his refusal to
take command of the First Arkansas Federal Regiment, when tendered him by Gen.
Curtis, as a proof. Stung by these reflections, he made haste to apply to Gen.
Steele for authority to recruit a regiment for the Federal service. Armed with
such authority, he proceeded to Jacksonport and recruited the Fourth Arkansas
Mounted Infantry, and reported to Gen. R. R. Livingston, at Batesville, where
he commanded the post until the spring of 1864, when, under the organization of
the Murpby or war government, he was elected a member of the supreme court.
Under the constitution of 1864 he could not hold two offices at one time, so,
after much hesitation, he resigned his command of the regiment, which devolved
upon his brother as senior captain, as well as by order of Gen. Steele.
Fourteen days after becoming a member of the supreme court of the State, he was
elected, over his protest, to the senate of the United States for the long
term. He repaired to Washington, taking his family with him for safety as far
as Illinois, and presented his credentials, under the State government then
existing in Arkansas, but was not permitted to qualify as senator. After the
war was over he returned with his family to Batesville, and resumed the
practice of law. In 1868, upon the suggestion of the Hon. H. C. Caldwell, he
was appointed register in bankruptcy for the First Congressional district of
Arkansas, by the Hon. Salmon P. Chase, then chief justice of the United States.
During the same year he was appointed judge of the Third judicial circuit for
four years, by Gov. Clayton. In 1872 he was nominated by the Republican party
for governor, upon a platform pledging him to do what he could to enfranchise
all such persons as had been disfranchised on account of their participation in
the rebellion. He accepted the nomination, and, after the most laborious and
extensive canvass ever made in the State, he was elected by a majority of 3,242
votes over his competitor, [p.642] Joseph Brooks, perhaps the most able debater
ever known in Arkansas. His election was duly declared by the senate of the
State, the only tribunal that had any authority to count, or in any manner
control the returns. He was qualified as governor early in 1873, and undertook
to redeem his pledges to the people and give them an honest government. His
administration was certainly the most eventful and fruitful of any State
government in the United States. This remarkable epoch in the history of
Arkansas, known as the Brooks-Baxter war, is too long for narration in this
sketch, and indeed pertains more to the history of the State than to these two
individuals. In 1878 at the earnest solicitation of people from all parts of
the State, he became a candidate for United States senator, but was defeated by
the Hon. J. D. Walker, a Democrat. He was called to fill the office of governor
of Arkansas, at the most trying period in the history of that State. The
conflict that culminated during his administration, was not the question as to
which of two contestants should be governor of the State for a single term; but
in reality it was a representative struggle between principles of the utmost
importance to the welfare of the State, and Gov. Baxter held firm to his
pledges and principles throughout the entire struggle. During the trouble, when
President Grant suggested that both he and Brooks act as governor jointly, Mr.
Barter replied:
"I am either governor or I am not governor, and I will consent to nothing that
will, in whole or in part, recognize Mr. Brooks as governor."
In his profession of the law, Gov. Baxter has achieved a splendid reputation,
although not entering it until his maturer years, and being subject to many
interruptions. He is a man possessing a strong natural moral disposition, and
has a dread of violence and bloodshed, as was manifest throughout his
administration. Gov. Baxter and wife are the parents of six children: Millard
P., Edward A., Catherine M., wife of N. M. Alexander; George E. and Hattie O.,
and Fannie E., who died in childhood. The Governor has been a member of the
Methodist Church since 1844, and, by act of their separation, has become a
member of the Southern branch.
Dr. William J. Bell is a prominent medical practitioner of Independence County,
and was born in the State of Alabama, February 17, 1835. He was the second born
in the family of six children of Wesley and Elizabeth (Bell) Bell. Wesley Bell,
who was a native of South Carolina, was born in 1808; he was of English
descent, and was a mechanic and farmer. When a young man he removed from South
Carolina to Alabama, where he married and resided until about 1840, when he
located in the western part of Tennessee, subsequently, on account of ill
health, removing to Arkansas, where he died in 1857. His wife, who was also a
native of South Carolina, was born in 1812, and died about 1847. The paternal
grandfather of our subject was John Bell, who served during the Revolutionary
War, and died at the advanced age of ninety-seven years, his wife living to be
eighty-five years of age. William J. received the advantages of a common school
education in Lawrence County, Ark., and in 1857 began the study of medicine; in
1858 he attended a course of medical lectures in Memphis, Tenn., and the
following year entered upon the active practice of his chosen profession in the
neighborhood where he now resides. He is now one of the leading physicians of
Independence County, and has built up an extensive practice, answering calls at
a distance of thirty or forty miles. Dr. Bell owns 305 acres of land, all of
which is under cultivation; sixty-five acres lie on the White River bottom, and
the balance, where he resides, about eleven miles west of the county seat. June
16, 1868, he married Miss Christina McFarland, who was born in Independence
County, in 1846, being a daughter of Alexander G. and Sarah J. McFarland, early
settlers of the county. Dr. and Mrs. Bell have six children, viz.: Clete A.,
James E., Ida V., Vertula A., William E. and Ross A. The parents are both
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Dr. Bell has been a member of
the Masonic fraternity since 1859, and is also a member of the I. O. O. F.,
both of which orders he has at various times represented in the Grand Lodge. In
polities he is in sympathy with the Democratic party.