J C Sanders - Among the native residents of the State of Georgia, and closely identified with its progress and development for many years were the Sanders family, a respected representative of whom is found in the subject of this sketch, who was born in that State in 1843. His parents, James and Eliza (Covington) Sanders, were born in Georgia (in 1804) and Virginia, respectively; the father was reared in his native State, and there followed the occupation of a planter until 1886, when his death occurred. The mother died in Texas in 1884, aged seventy-five years. The paternal grandfather [p.426] was born in South Carolina, and lived in Georgia. He was of Irish lineage. Like so many of the substantial citizens of this county at the present time, J. C. Sanders was initiated into the mysteries of farm life from the very first, and this has continued to be the calling to which he has directed his attention. While a resident of his native State he joined the Confederate army in 1861, and was in active service- four years. He was at Gaines' Mill, Gettysburg, Petersburg, the Wilderness and numerous other engagements of less note, and was wounded thirteen times. He was a private in the Twenty-seventh Georgia Regiment. After the war he left the State of Georgia and emigrated to Missouri, thence to Arkansas and afterward to Texas. After remaining in that State for some time he returned to Arkansas, and has here made his home up to the present time. His lands in this county amount to 400 acres, and he has 225 acres under cultivation. He was married in 1862 to Miss Jane Williams, and to their union have been born five children: Henry, Callie (who is dead), Morris (who died at the age of twenty years, in 1888), Jimmy and Tommy. His second wife was Miss Sarah Dean, who bore him four children: Bob, Charley. Alfred and Annie. Mr. Sanders has always been a Democrat in his political views.

A Z Schnabaum, merchant, Pocahontas, Ark. Among the many enterprises necessary to complete the commercial resources of a town or city, no one is of more importance to the community than that of the general merchant. Prominent in this trade is Mr. Schnabaum, who deals in dry goods, hardware, implements and groceries. Mr. Schuabaum is of foreign birth, Austria being his native country. He first saw the light of day in the year 1864, and after reaching a suitable age was educated in a mercantile college in his native land. He left school at the age of nearly seventeen, and in 1881 emigrated to America. He stopped in New York City for six months as a clerk; then went to Pennsylvania, where he remained but a short time, and then came to Pocahontas, Ark. Here he engaged as a clerk for R. Nicholas, remaining with him three years, and then continued in the same capacity for Imboden, with whom he remained a few months. At the expiration of that time he engaged in business for himself, having judiciously saved his money, and now carries all the way from $6,000 to $16,000 worth of goods, the annual sales amounting to over $35,000. He has from two to four clerks, and carries on a thriving business. He is also the owner of a cotton-gin, and buys and sells cotton at this place. He has never been married. He is the son of H. and G. Schnabaum, natives of Austria, who have died since A. Z. came to America. The father was a man of considerable means, and was a distiller of liquor and a drover by occupation. Mr. Schnabaum is a stirring business man and an enterprising citizen. He is pleasant and agreeable in his manners, and the large trade which he now has is fully merited.

Jacob Schoonover, retired farmer, Pocahontas, Ark. The subject of this sketch is one of the honored pioneers of Randolph County. He has been located here for a period of over twenty-nine years, and has not only become well known, but the respect and esteem shown him are as wide as his acquaintance. His fine farm of 200 acres is adorned with an attractive and commodious house, and the large mill and cotton-gin which he operates deserve special attention. He is a native of Honesdale. Penn., and is a son of Daniel and Eliza (Jacks) Schoonover, both of whom are also natives of the Keystone State. Jacob Schoonover went to California when twenty-one years of age, or in 1852, by way of the Isthmus, and remained there until September, 1856, engaged in mining and teaming. He then returned to his native State, remained there about a year, and then in 1857 went to Minnesota, where he spent another year. In 1858 he came to Arkansas, settled in Marion County, and engaged in photographing, which he continued for three years, traveling in the meantime over Northeast Arkansas and Southeast Missouri. He happened to be in Randolph County when the war broke out, and in 1862 he enlisted in Shaver's regiment, Tappin's brigade, and served until June, 1865, in the Confederate army. He was regimental quartermaster. After the close of the [p.427] conflict he returned to Randolph County, remained a few months, and then proceeded to the State of his nativity, where he sojourned six months, visiting his parents. Subsequently he returned to this county, and engaged as salesman in the store of Green R. Jones, remaining thus employed for two years. He then bought a partnership, and this continued until 1873. Three years later he was elected circuit clerk of Randolph County, and filled this position in a very acceptable manner for six years. After this he was engaged in farming and trading. He was first married in 1870 to Miss Martha J. Wear, a native of Pennsylvania, who bore him the following named children: Eugene G., now in Pennsylvania; Herbert, Addie C. and Parke T. The mother of these children died on the 22d of December, 1878, and Mr. Schoonover was married the second time, on the 5th of January, 1882, to Miss Ella Bolen, a native of the Blue Grass State. Two children are the fruit of this union: Robert and Jacob. Mr. Schoonover is a Royal Arch Mason, and a member of the K. of H. He has ever taken an active part in politics and public affairs, and has done much to build up every enterprise for the common good.

Vincent Segraves is a successful merchant of the county, and was born here on the 26th of February, 1839, being a son of Vincent and Lavina (Lacy) Segraves, who were born in South Carolina and Knox County, Tenn., in 1789 and 1814, and died in Randolph County, Ark., in 1870 and 1871, respectively. The father left his native State when he was a young man, and went to Tennessee, and afterward removed to Illinois, and from there to Arkansas, in 1833, being one of the very first settlers of Randolph County. He was a farmer, and as such was one of the most successful men in this part of the State; in connection with this work he kept a distillery. During the War of 1812 he was a soldier, belonging to Jackson's Guard, and with him participated in the battles of New Orleans and Pensacola. He was a well-known and prominent citizen of Arkansas, and had been a life-long Democrat. He and wife were members of the Baptist Church, and were the parents of eight children, five of whom are living. Vincent was the seventh of the family, and received his early education in Randolph County. He remained on his father's farm until twenty-five years of age, then commenced to farm for himself; but his labors in this direction were interrupted by the war. In 1861 he enlisted in the Confederate service, and the following year joined Company A, of the Twenty-fifth Arkansas Infantry, and was an active worker for the Southern cause until the close of the war, holding the rank of lieutenant, and taking part in the engagements at Murfreesboro, Richmond, Ky., and was with Price on his raid through Missouri and Kansas, but was never wounded or taken prisoner. He has since been engaged in farming, and in connection has followed merchandising since 1886, at which time he formed a partnership with W. E. Hibbard, but at the end of nine months became associated with J. W. Witherford. He owns fertile lands to the amount of 120 acres, and has sixty-five acres under cultivation. In 1866 he married Caroline Waddle, who was born in Randolph County, Ark, in 1842, and is a daughter of Henry Waddle. She and Mr. Segraves are the parents of nine children: Frances B., wife of Lewis A. Manning; Rufus H., William J., Emanuel W., John H., Detty Ann, Mary Emma, Sula W. and Agnes. Mrs. Segraves is a member of the United Baptist Church. Mr. Segraves is a stanch Democrat in his political views.

G A Seel, M. D., of Warm Springs, Ark., and proprietor of the springs of that name, was born in Georgetown, Ohio, in 1855, and is a son of V. F. and C. A. (Houck) Seel, who were married in the State of Ohio in 1854, and moved to Kentucky about a year later. The father followed merchandising and farming in Bracken County, Ky., and was moderately successful in business. He was a man of superior education, and was able to speak three or four different languages. He served under Gen. Taylor in the Mexican War, and was with him in all the battles in which he took part. He was born in 1819, and his wife in 1816, and both their deaths occurred in 1888. He was a Democrat in his political views. He and his wife reared a family of seven children: Catherine, Peter, F. W., G. A., [p.428] V. F., Henry, and Mary C. While growing up, G. A. Seel had excellent advantages for acquiring a good education, and to say that he fully improved his opportunities would be only speaking the truth. After attending the free school of his section until sixteen years of age he entered Higginsport high school, but left that institution at the age of seventeen, and began traveling, so continuing until he was about twenty years of age, at which time he returned to Kentucky, and remained there for nearly one year, assisting his father on the farm. He then began traveling again, continuing two years, and became familiar with some of the finest points of interest in the United States. He located in New Madrid, Mo., where he became conductor on the Little River Valley & Arkansas Railroad, and as such continued for four years. He then filled the same position on the Cott on Belt road for about one year, and during this time his leisure moments were spent in studying chemistry. In the latter part of 1880 he engaged in the drug business at Doniphan, Mo., and after continuing there one year he devoted his time and attention the two following years to the study of chemistry under Profs. Detmer and Stille, of the St. Louis Dairy Company's Laboratory. From there he went to Chanute, Kas., where he established a private laboratory, remaining in that place until the fall of 1885. During the two years he spent in this place he was studying medicine under Drs. Webb & Brown of the Eclectic school, and afterward underwent an examination before the Kansas medical board, consisting of eight men, and secured a certificate to practice. He became a member of the Eclectic Medical Association of that State, and after leaving there in the fall of 1885, he came to Randolph County, and located at Warm Springs, where he passed an examination before the board in 1885, and immediately entered upon the practice of his profession. Since coming here he has graduated from the St. Louis College of Physicians and Surgeons, and has made a special study of operative and opthalmic surgery under the able instructions of Profs. Louis Bower, A. C. Bernays and John Glancis, being now a successful surgeon and physician. He was married, October 14, 1885, to Miss Ella S. Kibler, of Water Valley, this county, and by her became the father of two children: Leona C. (deceased), and G. A., Jr. Mrs. Seel is a native of Arkansas. The Doctor belongs to the K. of P., and in his political views is a Democrat. In 1888 he and Capt. J. J. Handwerker, of Memphis, Tenn., purchased the famous warm springs of this place, which in days gone by were used by the Indians as a health resort, this being as early as 1818, when the first settlers began to come into the region. The first hotel put up near the place was in 1840, by a man named Rice, and after his death the property fell to his heirs. In 1874, it was purchased from them by Dalton, Kibler & Waddle, who erected a substantial hotel there the same year and put up bath houses, bowling alley, etc. They also inclosed two and one-half acres with a nice fence, and in this inclosure are sixty springs, with three different kinds of water, chalybeate, sulphur and carbonate. The largest spring is carbonate water, containing 160 cubic inches of carbonic acid gas to the gallon, making it the equal of the famous chalybeate Vichy waters of Europe. In addition to this it also contains iodine and lithia. The springs are accessible by the following stage routes: Doniphan, Pocahontas, the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southera Railroad and the Kansas City & Memphis Railroad. The climate in the locality of the springs is fine, and the Doctor's manner of treating diseases in the way of baths can not be excelled, for hot, cold and electric baths can be secured at any time. The citizens in the locality contemplate erecting a high-school, and the place can then be utilized as a point for securing both a good education and the benefit of the health restoring waters of the springs. The country is very beautiful hereabouts, and the streams abound with fish and the woods with deer, turkeys, squirrels, quail, etc., making it a sportsman's paradise.

James F Shaver, who is one of the successful farmers of Warm Springs Township, was born in Randolph County, Ark., in September, 1833, and is a son of John and Nancy (Cook) Shaver, who were born in Georgia. They were married in Alabama, about 1823, and in 1828 came to Arkansas, [p.429] settling in this county, where they purchased and also entered some Government land. Wild animals of all kinds roamed the woods at will at this time, and in some places the forests were almost impenetrable, but it can be said of John Shaver that, with the courage and perseverance which marked the lives of so many of our pioneers, He chopped, he logged, he cleared his lot, And into many a dismal spot He let the light of day. His neighbors were from ten to fifteen miles distant, and at that time wagons were a rare sight, but small trucks were made by sawing large logs in two, the wheels being of solid wood –even these rude conveyances being few and far between. The nearest flouring-mill, which was twenty-five miles away, could only be reached by crossing two rivers, and owing to the difficulty of doing this, the settlers had to resort to the old-fashioned pestle. The first flouring-mill put up in this part of the county was on the old Russell place, and was run by horse power. This was about the year 1838. He and his wife were born in 1800 and 1798, and died in 1850 and 1858, respectively. They were members of the Christian Church, and became the parents of eleven children, eight living to be grown: William, who resides in Webster County, Mo., is a minister in the Christian Church; Robert, who died leaving a family in this county; Alexander, also deceased, his family being residents of the county; Peter, Martha, widow of C.Johnson; Caroline, the deceased wife of John Johnson; Nancy, wife of Jesse Johnson, and John, who was killed at the battle of Shiloh in 1862, while serving in the Confederate army. The other children died in infancy. James F. Shaver had very poor educational advantages in his youth, and although he attended the old fashioned subscription schools long enough to learn to read, he did not attend sufficiently long to learn to write. In 1852 he married Miss Elizabeth Waddle, a native of the county, born in 1836, and to them were born the following family: Alexander, born December 23, 1853; J. H., born August 2, 1855; Louis M., born December 22, 1857; Sarah E., wife of Eli Morris, born January 2, 1859; Jacob S., born October 6, 1861; James F., Jr., born November 2, 1863; Matilda A., born January 14, 1866, wife of Jeff Morris; R. L., born April 4, 1868, Peter M., born December 20, 1869; William M., born August 27, 1871; Permelia E., born January 14, 1874, and Joseph A., born February 28, 1876. In 1862 Mr. Shaver joined the Confederate army; he was with Price on his last raid through Missouri in 1864, and was a participant in a number of battles and skirmishes, Pilot Knob and Blue Lick being among the number. After his surrender, which occurred at Jacksonport, Ark., in June, 1865, he came home and engaged immediately in farming, entering at first 160 acres of land, and now has eighty under cultivation. He is also engaged in raising horses and cattle of a good grade. Mr. Shaver is a public-spirited citizen, is a Democrat in his political views, and he and his wife are members of the Christian Church, as are nearly all their children. Mrs. Shaver is a daughter of Henry and Sarah (Biggers) Waddle, Tennesseeans by birth, who came to Arkansas about 1832, and here married the following year. Their children were Lucinda, wife of Peter Shaver; Matilda (deceased), Sarah (Johnson), Susan (Roberts), Jefferson (deceased), Jake, Caroline (Graves), Marietta L. (Hawk), George and James (twins), and Elizabeth, wife of our subject. The parents died in 1849 and 1862, aged fifty and sixty years, respectively.

Col. Thomas S Simington - The name that heads this sketch is that of one of the oldest settlers of this vicinity, whose entire life in this county has been such as to win him the respect and esteem of all who are favored with his acquaintance. His father, Robert Simington, was a Scotchman who emigrated to the United States when twenty-two years of age, and being of an adventurous turn of mind, and nothing daunted by the talk of Indian troubles, determined to seek his fortune in the “far West,” and accordingly pushed on westward. From the city of Pittsburgh, Penn., he floated down the Ohio River on a flatboat, and made a landing at Cincinnati, Ohio, which place then consisted of two cabins, and from there went overland to Fayette County, Ky., becoming one of the very first settlers of that State. While making [p.430] the toilsome journey to this State he was frequently surrounded by Indians, having trouble with them at various times, and had frequently to depend on the block-houses for protection. After making his home in Fayette County for some time, he removed to Henry County, of the same State, where he made his home until 1827, when he removed to Jefferson County, Ind., for the purpose of educating his children and giving them the advantages of Hanover College. He came to the United States without means, but possessing the sterling characteristics of his ancestors he was very successful in his farming enterprises, and at the time of his death in 1849, at the age of seventy-six years, he was quite a wealthy citizen. He lavished his wealth freely in educating his children, was always a kind and considerate father, and his memory is still respected and revered by them to a wonderful degree. He was a stanch Whig in politics, and was in favor of colonizing the colored race. His wife, Nancy McWilliams by name, was born in Virginia, and removed with her parents to Kentucky when she was a young girl, and in that State she was married to Mr. Simington. She died in Jefferson County, Ind., about two years after the death of her husband, when about sixty-four years of age. Both she and her husband were members of the Presbyterian Church, and for many years he was an elder in that church, and was holding that position at the time of his death. Of the seven daughters and five sons born to their union nine lived to maturity, and four are living at the present time: Robert S., who has been a Presbyterian minister since a young man, and is now located at San Diego, Cal.; Martha R., widow of William Finley, and is now residing in Independence, Mo.; Myra, widow of Gen. Lucas, also located at Independence, and Col. Thomas S. The latter, owing to his father's liberality, received an excellent education in Hanover College, and when nineteen years of age he went to Boonville, Mo., where he was engaged in teaching school and clerking for several years. After residing in Palestine, Ill., for about three years, he moved to Randolph County, Ark., and has since been actively engaged in farming, the first few years being also spent in wielding the ferule. He is now the owner of some of the best farming lands in the county, and is one of the prosperous citizens. He served as county surveyor prior to the Rebellion, and in 1861 was elected sheriff and collector of the county. The following year he organized a company to serve thirty days in the Confederate army, then enlisted in Company A, and was made first lieutenant. He was soon after elected lieutenant-colonel of the Twenty-fifth Infantry, but after serving two years was discharged on account of disability. He was at the battles of Tupelo and Perryville, and although his loss in money matters was very heavy during the war, he has been very successful in accumulating worldly goods. January 1, 1852, he was united in marriage with Miss Emily B. Russell, a daughter of one of the oldest settlers of Randolph County, Ark., Col. James G. Russell. She was born in the county July 20, 1833. Her union with Mr. Simington was blessed in the birth of eight children, of whom two died in infancy and six are now living: Williamson T. and Francis L., farmers of the county; Ida J., wife of Benjamin F. Bigger of Pocahontas; Thomas F., a merchant of Eastern Texas; Minnie and Mattie, at home. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, of which Mr. Simington is a trustee and steward. He is one of the oldest Masons in the county, and although a Whig in politics until 1856, he has since been a Democrat. He has always been a public-spirited citizen, and is a patron of education and all worthy enterprises.

James Henry Skaggs was born on the 2d of August, 1840, near Danby, Jefferson County, Mo., and is the son of Henry Skaggs, the grandson of Stephen Skaggs, and the great-grandson of James Skaggs, who was a native of Virginia, a man of great physical strength and activity, and of whom it is said that he settled in Kentucky before Daniel Boone. Stephen Skaggs was also a native of Virginia, his birth occurring about 1764. He died in Kentucky in 1814. His wife's maiden name was Miss Nancy Andrews, who was born in the year 1766, and died in Kentucky in 1862. Henry Skaggs (father of the subject of this sketch) was born in Green County, Ky., on the 6th of June, [p.431] 1807, and came to Jefferson County, Mo., in 1833, bought a tract of land of several hundred acres, and this he improved and cultivated. He devoted the remainder of his life to farming and the raising of fine horses. He died on the 9th of September, 1866. His wife, Mrs. Mary (Eagelbarger) Skaggs, was born on the 7th of October, 1814, and was a woman of superior intelligence and firmness of character. She received her final summons in Jefferson County, Mo., in September, 1866. The maternal grandfather of our subject, John M. Eagelbarger, was a native of Germany, born in 1784, and came to the United States in 1800, landing at Savannah, Ga. He came to Missouri at an early day, and here followed his trade, that of a gunsmith. He died in Jefferson County, Mo., on the 3d of July, 1829. His wife's maiden name was Unity Carlin, a sister of ex-Governor Carlin of Illinois, and a woman of great courage and determination. James Henry Skaggs (the subject of this sketch), was taught the principles of farming in early life, and in 1861 he joined the Confederate army under the command of Gen. Jeff. Thompson, served about eight months, and was discharged on account of sickness. He then followed school teaching for about six years, two of which were spent in Monroe County, Ill., and the remainder in Jefferson and St. Francois Counties, Mo. During the period of teaching he gave his spare time to the study of medicine. Later he engaged in dealing in live stock and in merchandising, which he continued two years. In 1870 he came to Clay County, Ark., and followed farming and buying stock. He selected for his companion in life Miss Eliza James, and was united in marriage to her in 1873. They had two children, both of whom died in youth. Mrs. Skaggs died on the 19th of March, 1875. After that Mr. Skaggs accepted a position as collecting agent for Levi Hecht & Bros., at Pocahontas, which he held for over a year. In 1876, on the 17th of December, he was married to Mrs. Serena J. Russell, a native of Louisiana, and whose maiden name was Kilcrease. Mr. Skaggs then turned his attention once more to farming. In 1882 he was elected county surveyor, which office he filled with ability and credit. For the past few years he has been extensively engaged in agricultural pursuits, and also in the timber business, in which he has been very successful. He now owns over 4,000 acres of land and has 800 acres under cultivation. Mr. Skaggs is five feet eleven inches in height, and weighs 250 pounds. In middle life he was very strong and active, and was well trained in Olympic games, as was also his father. Mr. Skaggs after receiving a common-school education was for several terms under the tutorage of Mr. Robert A. Booth, a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland, with whom our subject, among other things, completed mathematics as far as calculus. He has taken an active part in public affairs, and is alive to the interests of his country, is willing to do his part in forwarding all enterprises for public good, and is an important commercial factor of Randolph County.

Will H.Skinner, druggist, Pocahontas, Ark. Holding the leading place among the druggists of the town of Pocahontas is the above-mentioned gentleman. The business he now conducts was established by him in 1886, and he has built it up to its present enviable position by upright and honorable dealing, by understanding the wants of the public and anticipating them; also by keeping nothing but the best and most reliable goods, so that whatever is purchased at “Skinner's” can be implicitly relied upon. This gentleman was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, and is the son of Alfred and Mary (Virtue) Skinner, the father a native of the “Buckeye State,” and the mother of Maryland. Alfred Skinner was a manufacturer of and dealer in saddles. He was a gentleman of education, was well versed in law matters, and being a leader in politics was called upon by the people to fill many offices of trust in the county and township. He and his wife were faithful members of the Presbyterian Church. They reared to maturity a family of eight children, all living: Mary C., a stenographer at Baltimore, Md.; Helen M., a teacher in Baltimore; Nole, in Washington, Ohio; Fannie, also in Washington, Ohio; Anice P., wife of C. L. Ferguson, of Columbus, Ohio; Will H., Laura, a teacher in Baltimore, Md.; [p.432] Alfred, a harness and saddlery merchant and manufacturer, of Washington, Ohio. The father of these children died May 22, 1889, at the age of sixty-eight years, and the mother died in May, 1871, at the age of forty-eight years. Will H. Skinner was educated in the public schools of Washington, Ohio, and graduated at the age of eighteen. Immediately afterward he commenced the study of pharmacy, which he continued in his native town until 1885, when he came to Pocahontas, Ark., and established himself in the same business. He now has the largest trade of that kind in the county, and in connection with drugs he keeps books, stationery, paints, oils, tobacco, cigars, and in fact everything necessary for a first-class store. Mr. Skinner is a member of the present city council, and is one of the representative citizens of the county. His paternal grandfather, Judge William Skinner, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and was one of the oldest business men of Washington, Ohio, where he established the harness and saddlery business, and was succeeded by his son, Alfred Skinner, who in turn was succeeded by his son, Alfred Skinner, now a prominent manufacturer and trader in that line. The firm of which the younger Alfred Skinner is a member is widely known in that part of the State of Ohio.

H A Slaughter, M. D., is one of the very foremost among the professional men of the county, and has won an enviable reputation as a practitioner of the “healing art.” He possesses advanced ideas and progressive principles regarding his profession, and is gifted with a full share of the sterling characteristics of the native Kentuckian. His birth occurred on the 14th of August, 1839, and he is the tenth of twelve children, five of whom are living, born to the marriage of French G. and Mary W., (Anthony) Slaughter, who were born in the Blue Grass State and the “Old Dominion,” respectively. The father followed husbandry throughout life, and although he had an excellent knowledge of the law, having studied it in his early manhood, he never practiced. He held many different offices in Nelson County, Ky., such as justice of the peace and sheriff, and died in that State in 1871 at the age of seventy-seven years. His wife also died there, she having been an earnest and consistent member of the Presbyterian Church for many years. The paternal grandfather, James Slaughter, was a Virginian, who died in Kentucky. Dr. H. A. Slaughter received the rudiments of his education in Winslow, Graves County, Ky., and from the time he was eighteen years of age until the breaking out of the war he was engaged in farming. He then enlisted in Company L, of the Eighth Kentucky Cavalry, but after serving faithfully for two years he was discharged on account of disability, and after returning home located in Kenton's Station, where he spent about three years. He also studied medicine during this time under Dr. David Yandall, and afterward pursued his studies in the Louisville Medical College. From 1868 to 1870 he resided in Ballard County, Ky., and then took up his abode in Randolph County, Ark., where he has since been actively engaged in the practice of his profession, the large extent of territory over which he travels speaking louder than mere words can do of the estimation in which he is held by the public as a member of the medical fraternity. Politically he supports Democratic principles; he is a Royal Arch Mason, and belongs to the Christian Church.

John F. Spikes, who is one of the substantial and progressive agriculturists of the county, was born here on the 20th of February, 1836, and is one of a family of seven children who were born to the marriage of Joseph Spikes and Permelia Waddell, who were born in Hawkins County, Tenn., in 1806 and 1805, and died in 1853 and 1864, respectively. They were married in their native State, and moved to Arkansas, being among the very first families to settle in what is now Randolph County. Mr. Spikes was engaged in farming and trading, and in every enterprise to which he turned his attention he met with good returns. He was sheriff of Randolph County for many years, and was filling the duties of this position at the time of his death. He was a Democrat, and he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. John F. Spikes received fair educational advantages [p.433] in his youth, and made his home with his mother until a short time before her death, when he started out in life for himself. After the war he was left without means, but as he inherited some of his father's excellent business qualities, coupled with his energy and enterprise, he has succeeded far beyond his expectations, and is now the owner of 840 acres of some of the best land in the county. When barely twenty-one years of age he was elected constable, and served in this capacity for eighteen years, then positively declined to serve further. In 1874 he was elected county sheriff, and at the end of the term, although solicited by many to again become a candidate, he declined to put up his name. Although he is a non-partisan, he has always supported the men and measures of the Democratic party. He is a Mason, and he and his wife, whom he married February 7, 1863, and whose maiden name was Martha E. Mock, are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Mrs. Spikes was born in Randolph County in 1840, and is a daughter of Matthias Mock. To their union eight children have been born: Amanda P. (wife of Franklin Tiner, a farmer and teacher of the county), Mary J., James C., William A., John W., Sulah M., Thomas F. and Joseph A., all at home.

Samuel E Spikes - Among the families who were early settlers of the State of Arkansas, was that of which the subject of this sketch is a worthy member, although the exact date of their settlement is unknown. He himself was born on the farm where he now lives, May 15, 1840, and is one of three surviving members of a family of four children born to William and Mary L. (Masters) Spikes, who were born in Hawkins County, Tenn., and near Charleston, S. C., in 1784 and 1802, and died in 1855 and 1881, respectively. At the time they located in Randolph County, Ark., the settlers were very scarce, and the nearest neighbor was eight miles away. He cleared a farm on which he resided until his death, and in addition to managing this farm he carried on the cooper's and wheelwright's trades which he had learned in his youth. He was a successful financier, but was rather improvident and spent his money freely, laying up but very little for a rainy day. He was an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he had been a member for many years, and in his political views was a Democrat. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary L. Masters, was first married to a Mr. Alexander, and with him moved to Arkansas, where he was afterward drowned. She then wedded Mr. Spikes, being his third wife, and by him became the mother of the following children: Samuel E., Elizabeth C. (widow of George Kersey), Mary P. (widow of Madison Gallich), and two others deceased, one of whom was L. F., who died while serving in the Confederate army. Mr. Spikes' first union resulted in the birth of six children: Joseph W., who was the third sheriff of Randolph County, and died in New Orleans; Jesse, John William, Martha and Nancy, all of whom died in the same county, except Nancy who died in Texas. Samuel E. Spikes enlisted, in 1862, in Capt. B. Shores' company, Col. Adams' regiment, and served until the close of the war, being a participant in the battles of Cane Hill and Delhi. After his return home he was married to Miss Mary Frances Stone, a daughter of Rufus Stone. She was born in Tennessee, May 6, 1847, and died in Randolph County, Ark., December 24, 1882, having borne a family of eight children, seven now living: William R., Samuel E., Mary C., Martha J., Fannie E., Robert A. and Francis M. A daughter named Eliza A., was born April 9, 1870, and died November 24, 1887. Our subject started in life without means, but by his own energy and good management he is now one of the wealthy residents of the county. He is a Mason in good standing, and is a Democrat in his political views. After his marriage, his mother made her home with him until her death.

Mrs. Alice L Surridge, widow of Robert Surridge, and a lady of culture and refinement, was born in Jackson County, Tenn., and is the daughter of A. W. W. Brooks, one of the prominent and wealthy farmers of Randolph County, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. Surridge came to Arkansas with her parents when a child, was reared on a farm and received her [p.434] education at Warm Springs high school. When twenty-one years of age she was united in marriage to Mr. Robert Surridge, a native of Missouri, born May 8, 1862. Heaven blessed this union with three children: Sudie, Lena and Robert Caldwell. Mr. Surridge was engaged in the grocery business at Pocahontas, and was an excellent business man and, above all, thoroughly honest. He continued in this business until his death, which occurred February 28, 1889. It is sad to think of death in connection with the young, and especially so with regard to Mr. Surridge, who, with his wife and little children around him, was full of business and enterprise until the grim destroyer entered and laid him low. Mrs. Surridge is the owner of 380 acres of land, and also considerable town property.

James F Sutton is a farmer residing near Pocahontas, Ark., and was born in Tennessee February 18, 1828. He is one of six sons and six daughters born to the marriage of Forester and Mary (McNiece) Sutton, who spent the greater portion of their lives in Marshall County, Tenn., and there resided until their respective deaths. James F. was the oldest of their children, and remained in his native State until 1852, at which time he settled in Southwest Missouri; three years later he came to Randolph County, Ark., and here has made his home up to the present date, with the exception of the time spent in the army. He joined the Confederate forces in 1861, becoming a member of Company H, Col. Shaver's regiment of infantry, and was a private until the surrender of Little Rock, Ark., and was on the Infirmary corps until the battle at Cane Hill. He returned to the duties of farm life after the battle of Little Rock, and has pursued the occupation of husbandry on his 160-acre farm ever since. This land he purchased prior to the war, paying 12˝ cents per acre, and he now has seventy five acres in an excellent state of cultivation. While he has never held any office of public trust, yet he is a man who does all in his power to assist in the improvement of his county; is a liberal supporter of worthy movements, and is a strong advocate of free schools. Politically he is a Republican. His marriage with Miss Anna Noblin occurred in 1849, and by her he became the father of eleven children, five of whom are now living: G. W., who resides in the county; F. M.; Mary E., wife of John Kincaid; Samuel T. and Benjamin F. His wife and oldest three children are members of the Baptist Church. Prior to the Rebellion he served in the State militia as first lieutenant, and has held the same position since.

Richard Sweeza - In giving a history of Randolph County, Ark., the name of Mr. Sweeza deserves honorable mention, for he has always been industrious and enterprising, and has ever aided enterprises which tend to the interests of the county. He was born near where he now lives, on the 1st of February, 1837, and is one of two surviving members (the other survivor being Nancy Jane, the wife of Joseph Thomas, a farmer of the county) of a family of nine children born to Richard and Matilda (Bigger) Sweeza, both of whom were born in Missouri, former's birth occurring in Carter County. They were reared to maturity and married in that State, and after the celebration of their nuptials they resided in Carter County several years, then came to Randolph County, Ark., being among the very first settlers of the county. The country was full of Indians and wild animals at that time, but Mr. Sweeza began to clear a farm, and followed this occupation in connection with blacksmithing throughout life, accumulating thereby a large amount of property. He died in 1841, when a comparatively young man, his widow afterward becoming the worthy companion of Randolph Cook, of Illinois, and her death occurred in that State, in 1855. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sweeza were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and he was of French descent. Richard Sweeza, the immediate subject of this sketch, received his early education at home, and made his home with his stepfather. Mr. Cook, until the opening of the Rebellion, when he enlisted in Company C, of the Eighth Arkansas Infantry, Confederate States Army, and was on active duty east of the Mississippi River until the close of the war. He was in twenty-three regular engagements, among which were the battles of Shiloh, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Perryville, [p.435] Atlanta, Nashville, Missionary Ridge and many others. He was wounded by a musket ball in the upper lip, at Atlanta, and also at Ringgold Gap by a shell striking the lock of his gun and bursting. At Atlanta he was taken prisoner, but was re-taken by his friends ten minutes later, and in this engagement his whole command was captured with the exception of twenty men. He saw some very hard service, and after the war he returned home with the consciousness of having been a brave and faithful soldier. Like his father before him he has always been engaged in farming and blacksmithing; and although he commenced life for himself with little or no means, he has succeeded well, and now owns 200 acres of excellent land. In 1867 he was united in marriage to Mrs. Louisa Jane (Russell) Bigger, a daughter of Col. James G. Russell, and the widow of Ransom Bigger, who was killed during the war. She died in 1870, an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and three years later Mr. Sweeza wedded Mrs. Sarah A., the widow of Marion Russell. She was born in Lincoln County, Tenn., December 14, 1834, and both are now members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he being a steward in the same. He is a Democrat politically, and is one of the enterprising men of the county.

John S Tanner, merchant of Kingsville, Ark., needs no introduction to the people of Randolph County, for his connection with its affairs dates back to 1875, and although his name has never been thrust before the public for purposes of notoriety, he is one of the county's most successful young business men. He was born in Fulton County, Ark., March 1, 1864, and is a son of William W. and Sarah Ann (Reeves) Tanner, both of whom were born in Obion County, Tenn., the former's birth occurring in 1832, and the latter's in 1834. They were married in that county, and moved from there to Fulton County, Ark., being among its earliest settlers, but in 1875 came to Randolph County. The father had been familiar with merchandising from earliest boyhood, but a short time prior to his death, which occurred on the 16th of October, 1888, he had retired from the active duties of business life, and left affairs to the management of his son. He was also engaged in farming, was a Mason, a Democrat, and while in Tennessee held the office of constable, and after coming to Arkansas was justice of the peace for several years. He served in the Confederate army throughout the war, and was a participant in a number of important engagements. His widow now resides in Kingsville, Ark., and both were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Of their nine children our subject is the third, and eight of the family are now living: Mary F. (Blackwell), Nancy W. (Baker), John S., William S. (who is deputy clerk of Randolph County), Sarah A., Emma J., Ida B., Arthur A. (who died when in his third year) and Lula. John S. Tanner's early scholastic advantages were received in his native county, and were such as the common schools afforded, but these advantages he improved to the utmost, and he is now acknowledged by all to be one of the bright, energetic and enterprising young men of the county. In later years he finished his education in the Cumberland University at Lebanon, Tenn., and was one of its most substantial students. February 3, 1884, he was united in marriage to Miss Nora Ann Fuller, a daughter of Albert Fuller. She was born in Grayson County, Ky., and is the mother of two children: Nellie G, and Guy W. Mr. Tanner and wife are in communion with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and as far as his political views are concerned Mr. Tanner has followed in the footsteps of his father, being a stanch Democrat.

Samuel W Thompson, although just in the prime of life, has made his way to the front ranks among the energetic farmers of this county, and owing to the attention he has always paid to each minor detail, he has accumulated a fair share of this world's goods. He is a native-born resident of the county, his birth occurring on the 9th of December, 1845, and he is a son of William and Mary (McLean) Thompson, who were also well known here. The father was born in Virginia, March 3, 1815, and when a child only seven years of age, he was taken to Knox County, Tenn., by an uncle, whence, after remaining there a short time, he came to Arkansas, and became interested in farming [p.436] and wagon making, which occupations he followed for many years. After the war, he farmed exclusively, and was school commissioner for years, also county and probate judge, and was filling the latter position at the opening of the Rebellion, being appointed to the same position after the cessation of hostilities. He was a well-known and respected citizen, and he and his wife, whose native State was Missouri, having been born there in 1816, were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Her death occurred in this county in 1856. He died November 23, 1883. During early times, meetings were held in their house in lieu of a public building, and for years he was superintendent of the Methodist Sunday-school. He was a lifelong Democrat and Mason, and was an active worker for all causes tending to the good of the county. His father, who was born in Ireland, at an early day came to the United States and settled in Virginia, but afterward returned to Ireland, and was never afterward heard from. The maternal grandfather, William McLean, was a Virginian, who removed to Kentucky, thence to Cape Girardeau County, Mo., and afterward to Randolph County, Ark., and in the latter county took up his abode on the farm on which our subject is now residing. To William and Mary Thompson eleven children were born, of whom the following are living: John B., a resident of Washington Territory; David D., a farmer of Randolph County, Ark., and Samuel W. The latter acquired a fair knowledge of the English branches in the common schools of his native county, and remained at home assisting his father until 1863, when he enlisted in Capt. Connor's company, Confederate States army, Cavalry service, and was on active duty until June 5, 1865, when he was discharged at Jacksonport, Ark. He started for himself with no means, but now has 320 acres of some of the best land in the county, and is considered one of its best farmers. He is a Democrat in polititics, and in 1874 was elected county assessor, also to the office of justice of the peace, and filled both positions with much credit to himself for four years. December 20, 1866, he was married to Maria E. Adams, a daughter of William H. Adams. She was born in Bedford County, Tenn., April 20, 1849, and is the mother of six children: Beatrice, Hettie E., William A., Edward, Eugene and Marion E. Willie, Augustus and Luther are deceased. Mr. Thompson is a Royal Arch Mason, and belongs to the K. of H.

J P Throgmorton, M. D., who is numbered among the successful members of the medical fraternity in Randolph County, Ark., came originally from Henry County, Tenn., where he was born January 4, 1836. Richard and Elsie (Barnwell) Throgmorton, his parents, were born in the “Old North State,” but were married and resided in Henry County, Tenn., where the father was killed during the Rebellion by guerrillas. He was a farmer and carpenter, and in his political views was an old-line Whig. He served several years as justice of the peace, and he and wife were members of the Methodist Church. Four of their children grew to maturity, of whom our subject is the eldest. His early youth was passed in the State of his birth, and there he was favored with a good education, being a student for some time in Bethel College, in Carroll County, Tenn., where he was a faithful and conscientious student. He remained with his parents on the farm until 1859, but that work not being at all suited to his tastes he began taking medical lectures in the University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, and there distinguished himself by his faithful application, as well as at school. After leaving that college he spent a short time in Illinois; then returned to Tennessee, and after residing there until the spring of 1865 he moved to Williamson County, Ill., and there located and pursued the practice of his profession until 1871, when he came to Arkansas and located on the farm on which he is now residing. The following year he returned to the State of Illinois on account of the ill-health of his wife, but after her death, which occurred in 1873, in Williamson County, he determined to improve his medical education, and again entered the University of Pennsylvania, from which institution he was graduated in 1874. Soon after this he returned to Randolph County, where he has since been engaged in a general practice, and the success which has attended [p.437] his efforts in healing the sick is shown by the extended territory over which he practices. He also successfully conducts his home farm, which comprises a tract of 300 acres, and he also owns another farm, in which are 120 acres. His farm is finely located and improved, and he has one of the handsomest residences in the county and a fine barn for his stock and grain, all the result of his own work. In 1864 he was married to Miss Caroline Davidson, a native of Henry County, Tenn., who died in Illinois as above stated. Two of the three children born to their union are living: Richard, and Rosa Lee, the wife of John Earley, a farmer of the county. Laura died in infancy. March 17, 1870, the Doctor's nuptials with Miss Pollie E. Barnett were consummated. She was born in Williamson County, Ill., and died July 14, 1873, having borne two children: Hiram L. (at home) and Ann E. (deceased). September 10, 1874, Isabel Lentz, a daughter of Eli Lentz, of Williamson County, Ill., became his wife. She was born in that county on the 22d of January, 1859, and she and the Doctor are the parents of the following family: Frederick E., Clara A., Helen, Viola N., James G., Edna, and Clara A. who is deceased. Mrs. Throgmorton is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church; the Doctor is a Mason in good standing, and in his political views is a stanch Republican. He is one of the public-spirited men of the county, and at all times supports worthy enterprises, being especially the friend of education.

W H Tipton, blacksmith and farmer of Little Black Township, Randolph County, Ark., was born in Boone County, Mo., June 26, 1832, and is one of nine surviving members of a family of ten children born to Samuel and Sarah (Lynch) Tipton, whose native States were Kentucky and Virginia, respectively. The father removed to Missouri about 1828, and was a successful farmer of Boone County for six or seven years, but the most of his attention was given to the trade of blacksmithing. In 1837 he moved to Macon County, and settled in Bloomington, where he worked at blacksmithing for several years, and then bought a farm on which he settled. From 1846 until the breaking out of the war he resided in Schuyler County, Mo., but in the first year of the Rebellion he was taken prisoner by the Union army, and since that time no knowledge of him has ever come to the family. He was a member of the Baptist Church, and his marriage occurred in 1827. His widow resides in Iowa, and their children are as follows: W. H., John T. (in Virginia), Samuel (in Iowa), James (in Nebraska), Harrison (deceased, whose family reside in Montana), Elizabeth (the deceased wife of Ezariah Padgett, of Texas), Mary F. (wife of H. C. Grimes, a traveling salesman, who resides in Plattsmouth, Mo.) and Sarah (wife of James Van Cleve, a farmer). W. H. Tipton started out to struggle with the world at the age of eighteen years, and although his early education was neglected he is accounted one of the intelligent and well-posted men of the county. He first went to California, where he was engaged in mining three years, but returned in 1854 via the Gulf of Mexico, and landed in New York City. From there he proceeded to Schuyler County, Mo., and began assisting his father in the blacksmith shop, continuing this until the breaking out of the Rebellion, when he joined the Confederate army under Capt. McCullough, but was on detail the most of the time, being engaged in shoeing horses. After the close of hostilities he went to Illinois with Judge J. H. Richardson of this county, and remained there until 1866, when he moved to Randolph County and settled in Little Black Township, where he went to farming and blacksmithing, and has continued these occupations up to the present time. He owns 240 acres of land, and has given two of his sons eighty acres each, besides much personal property. May 31, 1855, he was married to Miss Harriet E. Wadsworth, of Illinois, and their nine children were as follows: three died in infancy; Mary E., deceased wife of B. J. Norris, of Texas; Claiborne W., who was accidentally killed, being fatally crushed by a log while he was working in a saw-mill, his death occurring January 30, 1888, in his twenty-fourth year; S. C., residing in Pocahontas; Robert E. S., at home; B. S. and Antoinette. Mr. and Mrs. Tipton are members of the Baptist Church, and [p.438] he is a member of the A. F. & A. M., his children, S. C., B. S. and Antoinette, also being members of the Baptist Church. He is a Democrat. Robert E. S. Tipton was born in Randolph County, Ark., September 26, 1867, and married, November 8, 1888, Miss Amelia A. Smith, whose birth occurred in Marshall County, Ky., December 11, 1867.

John W Tweedy, farmer, Lima, Ark. To the the person who closely applies himself to any occupation which he has chosen as his calling in life, there can only come one result—that of success, and a high place in the esteem of those among whom he has made his home. And Mr. Tweedy is no exception to the rule, for it has only been by industry and strict attention to agricultural pursuits that he has attained to the position which he now enjoys. He was born in Virginia February 6, 1838, and passed his youthful days on the farm in Randolph County, whither his parents had moved in 1839. He received a limited education in the public schools of this county, also in the subscription schools, and at the age of twenty-one commenced life for himself by engaging in agricultural pursuits on his own land in this county. He has since continued in the same business, which has been his life occupation. On the 1st of August, 1858, his marriage with Miss Cynthia H. Stubblefield, of this county, was consummated. She is the daughter of Coleman Stubblefield, one of the oldest settlers of Randolph County, who came here as early as 1802, and was the third man to settle on Eleven Points; the other two being Phelan Stubblefield (a brother) and William Looney (a cousin), who were there but a short time before him, as all came in the same year from Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. Stubblefield reared a family of children, one of whom died young: Abraham, deceased, whose family lives in this county; Nettie, deceased wife of Thomas Johnson, who is a farmer, and lives in Lawrence County, Ark.; Absalom, deceased, was a farmer, and resided in this county; Nancy, deceased wife of Thomas Rice, a farmer, who lives in this county; Elizabeth, widow of W. Spikes, another resident of this county; Lettie, deceased wife of William White, who is also a resident of this county; Robin, deceased at the age of twenty-seven years; Martha, deceased at the age of twenty-two years, and Redmond, deceased at the age of twelve years. Before the war Mr. Stubblefield was a colonel in the State militia; he was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Stubblefield died in 1849, at about the age of fifty-six years, and Mrs. Stubblefield died in 1862, at the age of sixty-one years. Mr. and Mrs. John W. Tweedy were the parents of three children, all deceased: Martha, died at the age of three months; Nettie L., wife of Thomas H. Wells, died at the age of twenty-five years, leaving two children (John D. and Maud G.), and Laura D., who died at the age of three years and three months. Mr. Tweedy served three years in the Confederate army under Gen. Price, and participated in several raids made by that general. He was slightly wounded once by a spent ball, but was only disabled for a few days. In 1865, June 5th, he surrendered at Jacksonport, Ark., and then came home and went immediately to farming. He owned, at the close of the war, 240 acres of land, with about forty acres under cultivation. He is now the owner of 235 acres, with eighty acres under cultivation, but he gave his daughter (Mrs. Wells, now deceased), 600 acres at the time of her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Tweedy are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and have been so for a number of years. She was born in 1828. Mr. Tweedy is a member of the A. F. & A. M., and in politics affiliates with the Democratic party. His parents, Watson D. and Martha E. (Spikes) Tweedy, were natives, respectively, of Virginia and Tennessee. The father was reared to farm life in his native State, and remained there until about twenty-two years old, when he moved to Tennessee. Here he was married, and afterward he returned to Virginia, where he remained until 1839, when he moved to Randolph County, Ark. There he died in 1873. He had been twice married, first to Miss Martha E. Spikes, and by her became the father of three children, viz.: John W., Joseph (deceased) and R. A., who lives in this county. Mrs. Tweedy [p.439] was born in 1817, and died in 1843. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. For his second wife Mr. Tweedy took Miss Nancy Rasberry, of Mississippi. in 1847, and she bore him following children: James (deceased) whose widow lives in Jackson County, Ark.; Watson died at the age of twenty-one; Jane died at the age of twenty years; Marion died at the age of nineteen years; Lee died at the age of eighteen years; Amanda is the wife of John Coffman, and Mary is the wife of G. W. Morgan, and has one child. Mrs. Tweedy died in 1877. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Watson D. Tweedy had but a limited education, and followed agricultural pursuits all his life. He became comfortably fixed, and his honesty and liberality in all things won him a host of friends. He was never very active in politics; he was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

James M Vandergriff, who is a prosperous agriculturist of Eleven Points Township, was born near where he now lives on the let of October, 1848, and is a son of Ruffin and Jane (Garrett) Vandergriff, who were born in North Carolina, in 1812 and 1814, respectively. They were both taken by their parents to McCracken County, Ky., in their youth, and were there reared and married, coming, in 1844, to Randolph County, Ark., where the father died January 16, 1879. He (the father) learned the blacksmith's trade in his youth, and followed it, in connection with farming, up to the time of his death. His principles were sound, and the people showed their appreciation of his efforts by electing him to the position of justice of the peace for twelve years. He was a life-long Democrat, and served a short time in the Confederate army. His widow survives him. Jacob Vandergriff, the paternal grandfather, was of German descent, was born in Pennsylvania, and died in Kentucky. The Garrett family are of Scotch descent. Nine of their ten children are now living: James M.; Mary E., wife of A. Y. McIlroy, of Texas; Jasper P. and Joseph N., farmers, of Randolph County; Jacob R., a farmer, of Independence County, Ark.; Martha J., wife of Moss Lane, a farmer, of Shannon County, Mo.; Sarah C., wife of R. J. McIlroy, of this county; Jesse A., of Erath County, Tex., and Emma E., wife of Boyd Ellis, of this county; John W. is deceased. James M. Vandergriff received his education in Randolph County, and since twenty years of age has been in business for himself, his attention being given to the blacksmith's trade as well as farming, carpentering and cabinet making. His enterprises have met with the desired result, and he now owns a tract of fertile land amounting to 200 acres. He is a Democrat, and during 1884 and 1885 he served as justice of the peace. His marriage was celebrated on the 9th of February, 1868, his wife being a Miss Elizabeth Bryan, a daughter of F. M. Bryan. She was born in Lincoln County, Tenn., March 14, 1852, and to their union the following children have been born: Ellar Jacob Milton, Myrtie, James Burley and Ada E. Mr. and Mrs. Vandergriff are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and he is one of the wide-awake and progressive farmers of the county.

Daniel Wyatt was born in Stewart County, Tenn., July 29, 1830, and is a son of David and Jansey Wyatt (maiden name Nickols), who were natives of the State of Tennessee, the former's birth occurring in 1804, and the latter, in 1806. They both died in Randolph County, Ark., the father November 10, 1857, and the mother July 29, 1858. They were married in Tennessee in 1823, and in 1833 moved to Cape Girardeau County, Mo., and in 1837 to Lawrence County, Ark., coming in 1841 to Randolph County, Ark. Both were members of the Baptist Church, and he was a member of Randolph Lodge No. 71, A. F. & A. M., and a Democrat. He worked at the blacksmith trade in connection with farming, and was successful in both enterprises. His father, Daniel Wyatt, was a very early settler of Tennessee, and was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and the War of 1812, being a participant in the battle of New Orleans, at which place he died of smallpox on the 11th day of February, 1815. There were born to the marriage of David and Jansey Wyatt ten children, of whom Daniel was the fourth child; three of the family are now living: Evaline, wife of Redding Vandergriff, a physician [p.440] and surgeon, and a farmer of Old Round Rock, Tex.; Daniel, who resides in Randolph County, Ark., and Albert P., who went to California in 1859, and has been mining in the west since then. Daniel received his education in Randolph County, Ark., and worked on his father's farm until twenty-three years of age, when he located on the farm where he now lives. then consisting of eighty acres, to which he has since added 700 acres. November 10, 1852, he was married to Nancy C. Burrow, a daughter of Jesse Burrow. She was born in Jackson County, Ala., March 27, 1832, and died in Randolph County, Ark., on the 30th of September, 1868. She bore five children, three of whom are now living: Leetha C., wife of J. T. Bennett, a farmer of Cooke County, Tex.; Ella, wife of J. W. Knoy, a farmer of Kaufman County, Tex., and Marion, a farmer of Randolph County, Ark. November 10, 1868, was the date of Mr. Wyatt's second marriage, it being with Bethany J. Flanery, a daughter of John Flanery. She was born in Arkansas on the 30th of September, 1832, was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and died on the 25th of July, 1880, having become the mother of three children: Marvin, John, and Nancy J., who is now the wife of Charles H. Tyler, a farmer of Randolph County, Ark. Mr. Wyatt's third marriage took place September 23, 1880, his wife being a Mrs. Ellen A. Chesser (her maiden name was Ellis), whose birth occurred on December 13, 1842, in Davidson County, Tenn. They have one child: Jethro, born May 5, 1881. Mrs. Wyatt is a member of the Christian Church, and Mr. Wyatt belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. In the month of September, 1862, he enlisted in Capt. Wyatt's company (C), in Col. Shaver's regiment of infantry, Confederate States army, and served eighteen months, participating in many skirmishes. In 1876 he was elected to the office of justice of the peace, which position he held for several years, and in 1880 he was elected county and probate judge of Randolph County, Ark., but did not wish to serve longer than one term. He is a member of Randolph Lodge No. 71, A. F. & A. M., and of the Knights of Honor, belonging also to the Masonic Mutual Relief Association of Arkansas. He is a Democrat politically.

David R Weakley, M. D., of Kingsville, has for the past four years been prominently associated with the professional interests of Randolph County, and is deserving of more than a passing mention in any history of the same. He was born in Dickson County, Tenn., on the 4th of March, 1847, and was the sixth of eight children, two now living, born to the marriage of David C. Weakley and Isabella Gleaves, who were born in Robertson and Dickson Counties, Tenn., respectively. After their marriage they moved to Dyer County, Tenn., in 1858, where the father became a successful agriculturist, and although a heavy loser by the war, he was a well-to-do man at the time of his death, which occurred in 1873, at the age of sixty four years. His wife's death occurred about 1853, when still a young woman, and he afterward wedded Miss Elizabeth Brigham, who is now residing in Dyer County, Tenn. He was a Mason and a Democrat, and he and both his wives were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. David R. Weakley, after attending the common schools in youth, entered Newbern College, where he received an excellent education. but left his books in 1863 to enlist in the army, becoming a member of Company B, Tenth Tennessee Cavalry, in which he served until the Rebellion was quelled, participating in the battles at Guntown, Miss., and Coldwater. Desiring to enter professional life, he entered upon the study of medicine under Dr. R. N. Fryer, of Newbern, and applied himself with energy and perseverance to his books, and in 1871-72 attended lectures in the Nashville University, graduating in the latter year. He commenced active practice in Dyer County, Tenn., but a short time thereafter came to Arkansas, locating in Greene County, and still later in Clay County, on Blue Cane Island. His next move was to Oak Bluff, and after a residence of four years at this point he settled at Knobel Station, on the Iron Mountain Railroad, remaining until 1885, since which time he has been a resident of Kingsville, where he has established himself substantially as a prominent member of the medical profession, and it is conceded that [p.441] he has proven himself one of the skillful practitioners of the county. He is a Royal Arch Mason, and has served as Master of his lodge. Politically his views are in accord with the Democratic party, and in religion he is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. On the 8th of March, 1872, the Doctor's union with Miss Drusilla Curtis was celebrated. She was a daughter of Clement and Sally Curtis, of Crockett County, Tenn., and is also a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Marshall Weaver is a representative of a well-known family in this county, his parents, Joseph and Harriet E. (Abbott) Weaver, having come here from the State of Kentucky in 1856. Their native States were Tennessee and North Carolina, respectively, in the former of which they were married about 1835; they made their home there until about 1842, and from that time until the year 1856 Mr. Weaver resided in Kentucky. After coming to Arkansas, he purchased 320 acres of land at 12**** cents per acre, and was engaged in improving this farm until 1862 or 1863, when he sold out and returned to Kentucky. From there he removed to Butler County, Mo., and at the end of two years went back to Kentucky, and there died in 1876, his wife's death having occurred in 1852; both lie buried at Spring Creek Church, in Graves County, Ky. They were the parents of nine children, of whom the following lived to be grown: John N., who lives in Missouri; Samuel, who resides in Alabama; Asher, a resident of Missouri; Marshall, of this county; Jasper and Joseph, who died after reaching maturity. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Weaver wedded Sarah A. Proffit, of North Carolina, their union taking place in Kentucky, and four of their five children lived to be grown: A. J., of Kentucky, Thomas J., Louis G., also of that State, and George W., who died after reaching maturity. This wife died in Kentucky, in 1878, an earnest member of the Christian Church. Marshall Weaver was born February 25, 1845, and began working for himself at the age of fourteen years as a farm hand in the State of Kentucky, but removed, in 1862, to Gallatin County, Ill., where he joined the United States Army, two years later, being a member of Company C, Sixteenth Kentucky Battalion, which was consolidated with the Twelfth Regiment of Kentucky Cavalry. He served until the final surrender, and took part in a number of battles and skirmishes, being one of the men that followed up Morgan. At Nicholasville, Ky., he was accidentally shot by a comrade, the wound being in the left leg, and spent some time in Camp Nelson hospital; he still suffers severely from his wound at times. After being discharged in August, 1865, he returned to Illinois, but only remained a short time, then returned to Kentucky, and commenced farming and blacksmithing. He was married in Cairo, Ill., in 1866, his wife having been born in Mississippi, December 4, 1850, and to them were born nine children, five of whom are now living: Eddie A., born August 21, 1870; Asher, born September 15, 1878; James L., born May 15, 1881; Robert, born November 4, 1884, and Clara B., born August 21, 1886. Those deceased are Joseph, Bettie, born April 4, 1874; Samuel and Adir (twins), born December, 25, 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Weaver are members of the Christian Church, and he is a Republican politically. He is the owner of a fine farm comprising 280 acres, and has about 100 acres under cultivation, well improved with good buildings. Mrs. Weaver is a daughter of William and Diana (Dobbs) Head, who were the parents of nine children, six of whom lived to be grown, and four of whom are now living: Talitha, wife of Benjamin Hancock; Bettie, widow of Thomas Hall; Eva, wife R. King, and Mrs. Weaver. Mr. Head served in the Confederate army a short time, and died in 1862, in Mississippi. His widow moved to Illinois, and was married a second time in Cairo. She and Mr. Head were members of the Missionary Baptist Church.

John Wells was born in Washington County, Mo., January 4, 1821, but has been a resident of Randolph County, Ark., since 1821. His parents, Thomas H. and Barbara (Maybary) Wells, were born in South Carolina and Virginia in 1796 and 1798, and died in Randolph County, Ark., in 1869 and 1866, respectively. They were both taken to Davidson County, Tenn., by their parents when young, and there they grew to maturity and [p.442] married, shortly after the latter event moving to Randolph County, Ark., where they resided until 1820, at that time taking up their abode in Washington County, Mo. After a short residence here they became dissatisfied and returned to Arkansas, where they spent the rest of their days. He served in the War of 1812, under Jackson and Coffee, and was at the battle of Coosa. His youth was spent in learning the tanner's and blacksmith's trades, but he afterward gave up these occupations to engage in farming, and in this he was very successful. Politically he was a life-long Democrat. He and wife became the parents of fourteen sons and one daughter. Seven sons were in the Confederate army, serving all through the war, and returned home alive and well. John Wells spent his youth in learning the tanner's trade and attending school, and in connection with farming he was engaged in tanning up to the breaking out of the war. He was in the commissary department in 1863, but afterward joined Capt. Mitchell's regiment, and was in the battles of Ironton and Lexington, and in numerous skirmishes. By his readiness to adopt new inventions, and by industry, he has been remarkably successful, and now owns 1,100 acres of fertile land, with about 300 acres under cultivation. July 13, 1848, he married Harriet Alcorn, who was born on the farm where Mr. Wells now lives, February 5, 1828, a daughter of Isham Alcorn. To them were born nine children: Margaret E., wife of Shelton White, a farmer of the county; Susan, wife of James McLain, of Floyd County, Tex.; Thomas H., a farmer of this county; Loia M., wife of Robert Stubblefield, of this county; Mollie J., wife of Rufus C. Dalton, of Oregon County, Mo.; Maud G., wife of Frank Rickman, residing on her father's farm, and James P. Those deceased are Maria J. and William M. Mr. and Mrs. Wells are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and he is a Mason and a Democrat.

Thomas H Wells, though now only thirty-three years of age, has won an excellent reputation as a farmer and stock raiser of Randolph County. He is a native-born resident of this county, his birth occurring in 1856, and here his boyhood days were spent in attending the common schools, and in doing farm work. At the age of twenty-five years he was married to Miss Nettie Tweedy, also a native of Randolph County, born in 1863, and their union was blessed with two children: John D. and Maude G. Mrs. Wells died May 31, 1888. After their marriage they located on the farm on which Mr. Wells is now residing, his land embracing over 541 acres; but the most of his attention has been devoted to raising a good grade of stock, such as cattle, mules and hogs. He now has on hand 140 head of cattle, some of which are well graded, and his annual profits on his stock, which he fattens and ships, are large. Although a non-partisan in his political views, he has always voted the Democratic ticket, and supports the men and measures of his party. He is a man possessing admirable traits of character, and has taken a position of more than ordinary prominence in the material affairs of the county, and the reputation which Randolph County is securing as one of the richest farming and stock counties of the State is due to such men as our subject. Although his early educational advantages were somewhat limited, he has become one of the most intelligent men of the county, this being in a great measure acquired by reading and contact with the business affairs of life. He is a warm friend of education, and takes an active part in all movements tending to benefit or encourage school facilities hereabouts.

Henry White, farmer, Davidson Township, Randolph County, Ark. The subject of this sketch needs no introduction to the people of Randolph County, Ark., for he is one of the most esteemed and successful agriculturists of the same, and is one whose honesty and uprightness have never been questioned. He is a native of this county, his birth occurring in the year 1841, and is a son of Howell White, a native of North Carolina. The elder White came to Arkansas when a young man, and was here married in 1840 to Miss Elizabeth Stubblefield, a native of this State. He then settled on Dry Creek, Davidson Township, entered land and made himself a home. He remained there until 1846, when he sold his farm with the intention of moving to the Lone Star State, but [p.443] was taken sick and died at the home of his brother-in-law, Joseph Stubblefield. To his marriage were born three children, two now living, Henry and Mary, wife of T. J. McIlroy. Mrs. White died within an hour of her husband, and both are buried in one grave. They were members of the Presbyterian Church, and he was a Democrat in politics. Henry White was reared by his uncle, and received but a meager education in the subscription schools of that section. In 1861 he joined the Confederate army, Company K, Eighth Arkansas Infantry, under Capt. Wright, and served four years, participating in the following battles: Shiloh, Perryville, Murfreesboro, Siege of Corinth, besides a number of minor engagements. At Murfreesboro, Tenn., he was wounded above the knee in both legs, and also received a severe wound in the shoulder. He was left on the field two days and nights before being sent to the hospital, and after being placed there he was taken prisoner. He was sent thence to Nashville, Tenn., and was only kept there one month, when he was removed to Louisville, Ky. Two months later he was sent to Cedar Point, Va., and exchanged. He was not able to do service, so he returned home and remained there until cessation of hostilities, engaged in tilling the soil on rented land. In 1867 he took a trip through Kansas, Indian Territory and Texas, and spent a year thus employed. In 1868 he purchased his present property, consisting of 160 acres, at Eleven Points, and has improved eighty-five acres of this. He raises corn, wheat and oats, but no cotton. He makes a business of breeding all kinds of stock, more especially mules. In 1869 Mr. White married Miss Sarah Barnett, who died the year of her marriage, and in 1882 he wedded Miss Mary L. Reynolds, of Randolph County. The result of this union was the birth of three children: Nora B., born April 13, 1884; Eeler, born December 27, 1886, and William G., born October 22, 1887. The second Mrs. White was born November 25, 1864, and is the daughter of J. M. and Minerva (Foster) Reynolds [see sketch of Dennis M. Reynolds]. Mr. White is a self-made man, and is counted among the best farmers of the township. He is a Democrat.

John C Wisner, dealer in real estate, at Reyno, Ark., has been actively engaged in the business of real estate since 1885. His early education was acquired in the public schools of Cumberland County, Ill. At the age of seventeen he left his home to seek his fortune, and came to Randolph County, Ark.; was engaged in tilling the soil in Cherokee, being on Current and Black Rivers until 1885, at which time he commenced the real estate business and the study of law. He owns 700 acres of land, besides a large amount of live property, and has acquired his possessions by good business ability and energy. In 1870 he was married to Miss Sarah Womack, a native of Randolph County, Ark., and their union has been blessed in the birth of five children: Nannie, who is a successful teacher in the county; James M., John H., Alcie L. and Sula. Mrs. Wisner is a member of the Christian Church, and he has shown his approval of secret organizations by becoming a member of the Masonic order, having been master of Reyno Lodge No. 417, for the past seven years. The success he has met with has more than realized his expectations; he has an extensive acquaintance, and enjoys a liberal patronage in his business. His parents, David T. and Rhoda (Dosier) Wisner, were born in the District of Columbia and Middle Tennessee, respectively. The father was a prosperous merchant, and while Illinois was still a territory he moved there and settled in what was afterward Cumberland County; in the year 1872 he located in Madison County, Mo., where he engaged in merchandising and milling until his death, which occurred the following year, at the age of seventy-two years. He was a man of sterling principles, and was a citizen who would be welcomed in any locality, for he possessed sound judgment, was honest to a fault, and was always interested in public affairs; his death was a loss to the community in which he resided, but his good works will always be remembered. His wife died in 1884, and of the five children born to them, three are living: Mathias, who died in Illinois; Mary A., wife of W. H. Welles, who resides in Illinois; James W., now second comptroller of the United States treasury; O. B. F., who died in his native [p.444] county, at the age of twenty-four years, and John C.

Judge A J Witt, County Judge, Pocahontas, Ark. Few men have attained the prominence in Randolph County, in a social as well as a business point of view, that has Judge Witt, who is courteous and pleasant in all his relations to the public. His birth occurred in Weakley, Tenn., on the 31st of December, 1855, and he remained in his native State until twelve years of age, when he came with his parents to Randolph County, Ark. When of a suitable age, he had been placed in private schools, where the opportunities afforded were enjoyed to the best advantage. After finishing his scholastic training, he engaged in the teacher's profession, and this continued for twelve months, when he was appointed deputy sheriff of Randolph County. At the end of eighteen months, he again returned to teaching school, so continuing for nine months, after which he clerked in a store until the fall of 1882. He was then elected sheriff of the county, and served four years. After this he retired from public life, and was engaged in tilling the soil for two years. In 1888, he was elected county judge, which office he still fills. Previous to this, on the 14th of November, 1887, he was appointed to the office of postmaster at Pocahontas, which position he still holds. For his companion in life, he selected Miss Ida M. Kibler, a native of Cross County, Ark., and was married to her on the 3d of May, 1883. She is the daughter of William Kibler, a native of North Carolina. To this union were born two children, Mary Ethel, at home, and Edith Gertrude (deceased). Judge Witt is the owner of 420 acres of land and considerable town property. He has always taken an active part in school work, and in everything pertaining to the good of the county. He is a Royal Arch Mason, and a member of the K. of H. He is the son of Isaac H. and Mary C. (Shelton) Witt, and grandson of Charles Homer Witt, a native of East Tennessee, and a farmer by occupation. Isaac H. Witt was a native of East Tennessee, and his wife of Weakley County, Tenn. The maternal grandfather, Jeremiah Shelton, was a native of the same State, was a tiller of the soil, and was also a minister in the Baptist Church, being one of the pioneer preachers. The Witt family were among the first settlers of Gibson County, Tenn. The father of Judge Witt is a minister in the Missionary Baptist Church, but he has always carried on farming in connection with his ministerial duties. He emigrated to Randolph County in 1868, and settled in Warm Springs Township, where he is residing at the present time. He was one of the first Baptist ministers of this county, and is still preaching at the present time. The mother died on the 30th of August, 1888, at the age of fifty-six years. They reared a family of eight children, Judge Witt being the eldest. The remainder are named as follows: Christiana E., wife of P. W. Kidd, of Warm Springs Township; Core E., wife of James W. Shaver, of the same township; Caleb E., now living at Portia, Ark., and is a successful M. D.; Marion J., who died at the age of seventeen years; I. R., wife of James Williams, of Clay County, Ark.; Lulu S., a teacher, residing at home, and William J., at home.

C W Woolley is quite an extensive cotton grower of Current River Township, Ark., and was born in St. Francis County, of the same State, in 1849. He remained in his native county until 1861, then came to Randolph County, and soon after moved to Jackson County where he remained until 1869, after which he again came to Randolph County, making his home here three years, taking up his abode for the following seven years in Boone County. His next change of residence was to the Lone Star State, and from there he returned to St. Francis County, Ark., a year later. The next year he again moved to Boone County, and the following year located permanently in Randolph County, this being in the year 1885. He has an excellent farm, and his land will average one bale of cotton to the acre, this being his principal product. His views of Arkansas as a stock country are quite enthusiastic, and he is giving that branch of farming a great deal of attention at the present time. Mr. Woolley is not an unreasonable partisan, but has always been a Democrat in his political views, and he belongs to the A. F. & A. M. He is a son of J. L. and Serena (Walls) Woolley, the former of whom was born in Alabama, was a [p.445] farmer by occupation, and died in Boone County. He was a minister of the Primitive Baptist Church, and was a soldier in the Confederate army during the Rebellion. C. W. Woolley, our subject, was married in Boone County, Ark., to Miss Arkansas Barbee, who was born in Carroll County, Ark., in 1860. They are rearing an adopted child named Mamie Russell.