In viewing the various enterprises that tend to make Western Grove, Arkansas, one of the county's most important cities it is curious, as well as instructive, to note the advances that have been made in the different lines of business and to ascertain the progress that has been secured by enterprise and capital. Among the prominent business men of this place John L. and Charles W. O'Daniel, proprietors and operators of the Western Grove Flour Mill and Cotton Gin, stand in the front ranks. The business is conducted under the firm name of J. L. O'Daniel & Bro. and the name of this firm is a passport to popular favor and has become very prominent in the few years it has been in existence. These brothers were born in Western Grove, Arkansas, the former in 1861 and the latter in 1858. Their parents, Jesse and Mary Ann House O'Daniel, were natives of North Carolina and Mississippi, respectively, the father born in 1826 and the mother in 1831. Both father and mother came with their parents to Arkansas Territory when small and were subsequently married in Newton County, Arkansas, where Mr. O'Daniel passed the remainder of his days, dying in 1887. He was a successful farmer and in connection was a blacksmith, following both occupations through life. In religion he was a Methodist, and in politics a Democrat. His brother and sisters were named as follows: Greene (deceased), Elizabeth Ann, Polly Frances (deceased), Jennie P. (deceased) and Margaret A. (deceased.) Their father, Greene O'Daniel, was probably born in North Carolina, but was one of the first white settlers of northwest Arkansas, settling in what is now Newton County, near the present town of Western Grove, when Arkansas was a Territory, and experiencing all the privations and hardships of pioneer life. He was industrious and honest, characteristics which have descended to his children and grandchildren, and made a good home, where he lived for nearly half a century, dying in 1870, when quite aged. He was of Irish parents. His wife died in 1869. She was a member of the Methodist Church. The maternal grandfather, Samuel House, came from Mississippi to Arkansas at a very early day also, and there resided for a number of years. The mother of our subject is living. The following children were born to her marriage: Greene, an engineer of Western Grove; James, a farmer; Charles Wesley; John L.; Jesse; Pleasant; Macklin Asbury; William Riley, died young, as did also Nancy Adeline and Mary Belle. All the children living are now residents of Western Grove and they were educated in this county, the older ones receiving limited advantages in that direction. John L. O'Daniel learned the blacksmith's trade with his father when a boy and followed this for about six years after reaching mature years. After that he worked at the carpenter's trade for about three years and about 1889 he and William Mallard built the mill now owned by the two O'Daniels. The firm was Mallard & O'Daniel until 1891, when Charles W. O'Daniel succeeded Mr. Mallard and the present firm was founded. This is the largest and most completely equipped mill in Newton County. The main building is 4Ox60 feet, two stories in height and an engine house 2OX22 feet. It is a bur mill, with a capacity of sixty bushels of wheat per day. The gin is the Brown make, with a capacity of six or seven bales per day. This mill has a good trade, controlling. The custom for a distance of twenty five miles south. John L. also owns a good farm of 120 acres near town. He started in life with nothing and made his first start at the forge. In the year 1880 he was married to Miss Sarah Bryan, a native of Tennessee, where she was left an orphan when young. Later she came with her sister to this county. Mr. and Mrs. O'Daniel are the parents of five children: May, Floyd, Della, Thurman and Maud. The O'Daniels are Democrats and both John L. and Charles W. are Masons, of Bluff Springs Lodge No. 103. The former is a member of the Relief Chapter NO. 35, at St. Joe, and has served one year as worshipful master. He and wife are Methodist in their religious views.

Lisa Hamilton submitted the above data from Goodspeed's, 1884; she did so to help others, is not researching the above person or families mentioned therein.

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