Hot Spring County, Arkansas, Goodspeed Biographies
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Joseph H. Alexander
Judge Joseph H. Alexander is a native of Hickman County, Tenn., but has been a resident of Hot Spring County since 1850. He was the son of J. M. and Susan (Sloan) Alexander, both natives of North Carolina. When seven years of age, his mother died, his father surviving her twenty-two years. When about fourteen years old Joseph left home and went to New Orleans, where he shipped as cabin boy on the Winfield Scott, a packet running between Cincinnati and New Orleans, which life he followed for eight years, serving in various capacities, being at the end of that time mate of the vessel. In 1849 he came to Hot Springs, Ark., but remained only a short time, then going to Texas. The following year he returned to this county, engaged in buying and shipping horses and mules to the Southern market, and later went into the employ of the Hanger & Alif Stage Company, in the capacity of agent, where he remained until the breaking out of the war. Then he enlisted in the Third Arkansas Infantry, known as Albert Russ regiment, and served until 1864, when he received his discharge. He participated in the battles of Atlanta, Sharpsburg, in the seven days' fight in front of Richmond, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Chickamauga, and in the three days' battle of the Wilderness. In the second day's fight of the last named battle, Mr. Alexander was wounded in the arm by a minie ball, which necessitated amputation. He was retired in November, 1864, as orderly sergeant, then returned home and rented a farm, which he ran until 1869, then purchasing a farm of eighty-seven acres on the Ouachita River, on the old military crossing. He lived there until 1881, when he sold out, and in the following January moved to Malvern. In 1880 he was elected county judge, and served three terms. He was again elected to that office in 1888, a position the duties of which he still discharges in an efficient and painstaking manner. From 1872 until 1880 he held the office of deputy sheriff. Judge Alexander and wife are members of the Methodist Church, South, in which he holds the position of trustee and district steward, also being class leader. He was married in 1858 to Maggie Sivley, a native of Alabama. They are the parents of three children: William D. (lives at home, and is engaged in railroading), Garden P. (also an employee of the railroad company), and Genevia. Judge Alexander is a self-made man, and has risen to a high position in society. He has taken an active part in public affairs since the war, and is one of the pioneers of the county, having seen it develop from a wilderness into its present state of prosperity. His daughter is a student at the Galaway Methodist Episcopal College at Searcy, Ark.
J. W. Bailey
Capt. J. W. Bailey came to this county in 1844, where he early worked on a farm and attended the subscription school on Brush Creek. He was born in Wilson County, Tenn., in 1827, and was the son of William and Frances (Phillips) Bailey, both natives of Virginia. Mr. William Bailey died when Capt. J. W. was a small boy, in the year 1839. He was a farmer and was in the War of 1812. His wife survived him until 1866. J. W. Bailey remained here one year, when he went to Cass County, Tex., and from there to Shreveport, La. In 1852 he returned to Hot Spring County, Ark., and bought a quarter section of land in Big Creek Township, where he has since made his home, investing in more land from time to time until he now owns 1,266 acres in this county. In 1877 Mr. Bailey established a mill in the southeastern part of the county, which he still operates as a custom country mill and cotton-gin, and also owns a steam saw-mill with a capacity of 10,000 feet per day, employing thirteen men. Mr. Bailey was married in 1847 to Angeline F. Loving, a native of Alabama, by which marriage he became the father of nine children, six of whom are still living: Ann C. (now Mrs. Cunningham), James (a farmer of this county), Lucy (wife of G. W. Kennedy), Virginia (now Mrs. Phillips, of this county), Saphronia and Mollie (now Mrs. Williams). Mr. Bailey was married the second time to Mrs. Reid, a widow, having by this marriage two boys: Albert C. and Elbert W. In February, 1862, he enlisted in King's regiment, which he helped to raise, and was made first lieutenant of Company B, in the Twentieth Arkansas Infantry. He served till the close of the war, after having participated in Price's famous raid and many engagements, the principal of which were: Pilot Knob, Boonville, Lexington and Jefferson City. Mr. Bailey had his horse shot from under him on one occasion, his hat cut by a ball and his beard clipped by a gunshot, and yet was never wounded. After the war he returned to his home, which he found in a state of desolation, everything having been taken. He has made all he now has, a handsome fortune, since the war -- an enduring monument to energy and application. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey are members of the Methodist Church. The former also belongs to the A.F.&A.M. He has held the office of county internal improvement commissioner two terms, and is a highly respected citizen. AFter the war society and communities were badly broken up, and political parties were wholly disorganized and the Masonic fraternity disjointed. Mr. Bailey assisted in reorganizing the latter. He was also largely instrumental as a member of the committee appointed by the State central committee to reorganize the Democratic party throughout the State in 1868, in gathering together the scattered members of the party in his county. He has always taken an active interest in the political welfare of his county and State, aiding in other respects also to the material prosperity and advancement of the community.
James G. Baker
James G. Baker, an old and well-known resident of Hot Spring County, having come here in 1853, was born in Tuscumbia, Ala., in 1829, and is a son of Job and Nellie (Ellis) Baker, natives of England and Scotland, respectively. The father was a carpenter by trade, who died in Tennessee in 1863, but the mother lived to a very advanced age. James G. Baker was reared and instructed in the duties of farm life, and received a somewhat limited education in his youth. When twenty-one years of age he left home and commenced farming on his own account, renting land for that purpose. In 1853 he moved to Arkansas and settled in Clear Creek, where he purchased a farm and resided until after the war, when he moved to his present home, buying a quantity of bottom land then in a wild state. This he improved and cultivated, and now owns about 145 acres of valuable land, comprising one of the most productive farms in that section. Mr. Baker was married in the year 1853, to Miss Drucilla Gillis, of Tennessee, by whom he has had eight children: Clinton (a farmer), Martha (wife of Mr. Samuel Sims), Lee, Alfonzo, Alonzo, Hallie B., Jethro and Adolphus. In July, 1861, he enlisted in the Twelfth Arkansas, and served through the war with distinction, taking part in the battles at Pilot Knob, Port Hudson, Price's raids through Missouri, Boonville, Mo., Lexington, Kansas City, and a great number of skirmishes. He was captured at Island No. 10, and again at Port Hudson, and suffered all the tortures of the enemy's prisons. After the war he returned home and found his farm in a destitute condition, but by unbounded energy and perseverance he succeeded in once more building up his former state of prosperity, and is now on a solid basis. Mr. Baker and wife are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and take an interest in all religious matters.
Daniel N. Berry
Daniel N. Berry, one of the leading citizens of Ouachita Township, Hot Spring County, Ark., was born in Tallapoosa County, Ala., on September 5, 1842. His parents were Joseph and Hollon (Berry) Berry, natives, respectively, of Georgia and Alabama. Joseph Berry was born in 1817, and his wife in 1818. They were married in 1836 or 1837, in the State of Alabama, where they resided until 1847 or 1848, then moving to Chickasaw County, Miss., and one year later to Dallas County, Ark. After another year in that locality, Hot Spring County became their home, and here they have since resided. They are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, Mr. Berry belonging to the Masonic order, and he always votes the Democratic ticket. He was a soldier in the war with the Indians in 1836, and during the late war served in the Eighteenth Arkansas Infantry Regiment, Confederate Army, participating in the battle of Corinth. When about forty-five years old he learned the wagonwright and coopers' trade, at which he has since worked, building a great many houses and gins. In addition to farming, he serves his neighbors as a general mechanic. By his first marriage he became the father of fourteen children, of whom three sons and four daughters are living; our subject being the third child. The latter received his education at the home schools, and in July, 1861, left his home and cast his lot with the Confederacy, enlisting in Company E, Twelfth Arkansas Infantry. He served in this company till after the fall of Port Hudson, when he was paroled and taken into Cook's battalion. After the Price raid through Missouri, he found and joined his old command, in which he served until May, 1865. He participated in many battles, among them being Belmont and Island No. 10, on the Mississippi River. At the latter place he was taken prisoner and transported to Camp Douglas, Chicago, where he was confined for six months, then one month at Cairo. From the latter place he was taken to the parole camps at Jackson, Miss., and was soon again in active service. he was captured the second time at Port Hudson, July 8, 1863, paroled, and after being exchanged joined Price. He took part in all the engagements in that famous march. When the war closed, he returned to Hot Spring County, where he attended school at Pleasant Hill for the next few months, then turning his attention to farming, he has followed that branch of industry ever since. He now owns 494 acres of land, 254 of which are in the Washitaw River bottom. On December 20, 1866, he married Miss Kizzie A. Matthews, daughter of Granville and Mary G. Matthews, and a native of Hardeman County, Tenn. She was born January 11, 1844, and died December 14, 1877. By her marriage to Mr. Berry, she became the mother of six children, five now living: Emily T. (wife of I. H. West, farmer of Texas), Charles F. (a farmer of this county), Mary H. (at home), Robert T., Laura A., Joseph A. (died when ten years of age). On February 20, 1879, Mr. Berry married Miss Louvinia C. Harkins, daughter of Robert Harkins, born in Tallapoosa County, Ala., September 21, 1851. Four children were born to them: Bertha A., Thomas H., Cora J. and Asa M. Mr. Berry and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. He is also a member of the Masonic order, and politically a strong Democrat. When he began in life he had nothing but a good constitution and an ability to manage. To this he attributes his success. He has always advocated education and religion, and is a warm friend of all public and benevolent enterprises. He was elected justice of the peace in 1872, in Ouachita Township, Hot Spring County, Ark., and has served ever since in that official capacity.
Joseph Brown
Joseph Brown first saw the light of day in Cecil County, Md., December 11, 1837, and is the son of Isaac and Ann (Wesley) Brown, the former of whom was born in Utica, N. Y., in 1803, where he was reared and educated. During the late war he acted in the capacity of provost-marshal in the Federal army. From Utica he moved to Maryland, engaged in the lumber business, and followed this until his death, which occurred at Conowingo, Cecil County, Md., in 1888. His wife, Ann (Wesley) Brown, was born in 1804, grew up in Cecil County, and died near Baltimore, Md., in 1862. Joseph Brown spent his boyhood days in that city, where he was educated. In 1856, at the age of eighteen years, he went to Virginia and engaged in the lumber business. Leaving that State, he came to Little Rock, Ark., in December, 1859, and the next year erected the first circular saw-mill ever built in that city. In 1862, soon after the war broke out, he enlisted in Woodruff's battery, light artillery, and participated in the battles of Prairie Grove, Pea Ridge, and the capture of Little Rock, surrendering at Little Rock, June 5, 1865. In company with his brother, in 1865, he engage din the lumber business near Little Rock, where he continued in trade till October, 1875, when he came to Gifford, Hot Spring County. Here he established a large lumber-manufacturing business, which still continues. He employs twenty-five hands and turns out 25,000 to 30,000 feet of lumber daily. In addition to his mill he owns about 15,000 acres of timber land. He was married August 31, 1865, to Margaret E. Dickson, daughter of John and Catherine Dickson. By this marriage he became the father of ten children (three deceased): George A. (living at home), Lillian (living at home), Robert E. L., Iva V., Maggie (died 1882), Charles (died 1880), Joseph, Jr., and Mandolin. Mr. Brown is a member of the Masonic order, and one of Hot Spring's most enterprising citizens.
James Alfred Brumbelow
James Alfred Brumbelow was born in Carroll County, Tenn., in November, 1831, as the son of Joshua and Cynthia (Butler) Brumbelow. The birth of Joshua Brumbelow occurred in Robertson County, Tenn., in 1795. He was reared on a farm and obtained his education at the country schools of his native county, and upon reaching manhood emigrated to Carroll County, the same State, and settled on a farm, being very successful in raising grain and stock. In 1847 he removed to Hempstead County, Ark., where he purchased land from the government. Here he lived until 1857, improving his farm for the successful cultivation of cotton and corn. He then moved to Jack County, Tex., where he engaged in farming. The first year the Indians stole all his crops, but thereafter he farmed in peace until his death, in 1865. His wife was born in Murray County, Ky., in 1808, coming to Hempstead County in 1847, where she died in 1852. James A. Brumbelow was reared on a farm in Carroll County, Tenn., there attending the country schools until 1847, when he accompanied his parents to Hempstead County, Ark. He began farming for himself in that county in 1852. Soon leaving this he roved about the State for a few months, finally settling on a farm in Gifford Township, Hot Spring County. Here he now has a fine farm of 160 acres, sixty under cultivation, where he raises cotton and corn, and many head of horses, cattle and hogs. He was married in October, 1855, to Susan E. Pelton, daughter of John Pelton and wife. Ten children were born to them, five of whom are now living: James A., Jr. (died in 1863), Sarah E. (wife of David C. Fenter, died in 1886), Malinda J. (died in 1863), William A. (married to Sarah Sides, living in Grant County, Ark.), Lewis N. (died in 1867), John T. (living at home and farming in Grant County, this State), Susie, Julia and Emily, (living at home). James A. Brumbelow enlisted in the Confederate army in February, 1863, joining Company I, Hawthorne's regiment. He participated in the battle at Helena, and retired in July, 1863. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church, and esteemed citizens.
Andrew Jackson Chandler
Andrew Jackson Chandler, actively occupied in agricultural affairs in Hot Spring County, came upon the stage of action about half a century after the birth of the famous old general who furnished him a name. He was born in this county, May 14, 1844, being the son of James W. and Anna (Kemp) Chandler. James W. Chandler was born in South Carolina, in 1814, grew to manhood in Cherokee County, Ala., and moved first to Izard County, Ark., then to Hot Spring County, where he arrived in 1843. He settled on a farm in the woods, cleared and improved it, and is living on it to-day, the county lines being so changed that he now resides in Saline County. Anna (Kemp) Chandler was born in Alabama in 1824, and reared in Mississippi. Andrew J., the subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm in Hot Spring County, gaining a fair education in the country schools in that neighborhood. In July, 1861, he enlisted in the Confederate army, joining Crawford's Company (D), Eleventh Arkansas Regulars. He took part in the battle of Island No. 10, and a great many others of less importance. At the former he was captured and taken to Camp Butler, Springfield, Ill., being released in April, 1864. He was married December 27, 1864, to Ollie Pennington, daughter of Benjamin and Eliza Pennington. The fruits of this marriage were nineteen children, none of whom are still living: Benjamin T. (resides at Wyandotte), Octavia (wife of J. C. Davenport), Tunie L. (now Mrs. Martin), Anna E. (living at home), Emma, Hattie and Mary (living at home). Andrew J. Chandler is engaged principally in the ginning and milling business, doing an extensive business in cotton ginning in season. He is practically one of Hot Spring's self-made men.
Harvey Clift
Harvey Clift, for very many years associated with the affairs of this community, was born at Gunter's Landing, Morgan County, Ala., on January 9, 1817, his parents being Joseph and Sallie (Guerin) Clift. Joseph Clift was born in Maryland, in 1770, and emigrated to Clark, now Saline County, Ark., in 1828, settling on land that was then a vast wilderness. Through hard work, he cleared and improved eighty acres, making a good farm. He died in 1845. His wife was born in South Carolina, and passed from life in Hot Spring County, this State, in 1869. Harvey Clift was reared on a farm in Clark County, receiving his education at the subscription school in that county, to which he was compelled to walk four miles. Taking up a farm in 1836 from the Government, he has followed farming and furniture turning ever since. He owns a fine farm of forty-five acres, raising principally wheat, corn and oats. In 1839 he was married to Elizabeth Ashley, daughter of Miles and Nancy Ashley, natives of Tennessee. Twelve children were born to them, eight of whom are living: Nancy (the eldest, married to Lewis Colier), Sarah (wife of David Wallis, who was lost in the war), Miles (married to Frances Phillips), Mary (wife of Dennis Wallis), Flora (died in 1861), Henry T. (married to Katie Barton), Melissa (wife of William Newcomb), Lucinda (wife of J. L. Holmes). Both Mr. and Mrs. Clift have been active members of the Baptist Church for about thirty-five years, and are highly respected in that neighborhood.
Hiram Jackson Clift
Hiram Jackson Clift, a pioneer of Hot Spring County, and one of its esteemed citizens, was born in Tennessee, and is a son of William and Polly Ann (Wyandus) Clift, both natives of the same State. The father was a successful farmer, and a man of ability, being a natural born mechanic as well as farmer. He left Tennessee with his parents when a boy and moved to Alabama, settling near Somerville, in Morgan County, where he grew to manhood. In 1838 he came to Arkansas, and located in the eastern part of Hot Spring County (then forming a part of what is now Saline County). After residing here until 1856 he moved to Texas, and remained there twelve years, but finally came back to where his son Hiram lives, where he died on January 9, 1876, the mother dying on January 10, the year previous. The paternal grandfather, Joseph Clift, left Alabama in 1826, and was one of the first settlers of Hot Spring County. Nine children were born to the parents, of whom four are yet living. Two of the sons served in the Confederate army; Joseph died while in prison at Little Rock, and James, who was a lieutenant in the Third Arkansas, was captured at Island No. 10, and died after the war, it is supposed form the exposure and hardships he underwent at that period. Hiram J. was reared on a farm in Hot Spring County, and received a limited education on account of the poor school facilities to be had at that time. He assisted his father in cultivating the land, and learned the blacksmith trade under the elder Clift's able instructions, soon becoming an expert in that line himself. In March, 1851, he was married to Miss Caroline Sanford, of Mississippi, by whom he has had nine children, of whom four lived to maturity, and two are yet living: Gilbert (a farmer), and Mary (wife of Shelby Bud, of this county). The mother died in January, 1868, a firm believer in the doctrines of the Baptist Church. In December, 1871, Mr. Clift was again married, his second wife being Miss Martha A. Davenport, of Mississippi, by whom he had eight children, five of them yet living: Cornelia, Rosa Lee, Madie A., Hiram G. and Anna. Mr. Clift is a member of the Baptist Church, and has belonged to it from childhood. For many years he has been a deacon, and has reared his children to be Christian men and women. They have followed his precepts and example faithfully, and are an honor to his name. During the Rebellion, Mr. Clift was a soldier in the Confederate army, enlisting in September, 1861, in the Third Texas, and afterward transferred to the Eleventh Texas. He served throughout the entire period, taking part in the battles at Richmond, La., Mansfield, La., Yellow Bayou, Jenkins' Ferry, and a great many others, performing his duties in a gallant manner, and often the hero of a thrilling escape. He has applied himself strictly to his agricultural interests since the war, and now owns about 565 acres of choice land. He takes a deep interest in fruit growing, in fact makes it a specialty, and has been very successful in that direction. He is now one of the leading and most influential men in that section, and a generous supporter of every enterprise that helps forward his county's progress.
T. H. Cloud
T. H. Cloud, the son of Jeremiah and Karon (Berry) Cloud, came originally from Bradley County, Tenn., where he was born April 25, 1827. His father's birth occurred in the year 1787, in North Carolina. Moving to Tennessee, he was elected clerk of the circuit court of Claiborne County in 1812, serving until 1824. In 1852 he removed to Saline County, Ark., and died in August of the same year. His wife was born near Jamestown, Va., in 1792, and moved to Saline County, Ark., in 1852, dying five years later at the age of sixty-five. T. H. Cloud was reared on a farm in Bradley County, Tenn., graduating from the Cleveland Academy. In 1848 he engaged in the tanning business at Benton, Saline County, moving in 1858 to Rockport, Hot Spring County, where he continued the tanning business in connection with farming and tavern keeping. Here he remained for fourteen years, moving in 1862 to Magnet Cove Township, and settling on a farm, his subsequent place of residence. He now owns eighty acres of good farming land. In 1848 he was married to Miss Martha J. Wills, becoming the father of four children: James M. (born in 1850), William N. (born in 1856), Marion T. (born in 1858), Orlando (born in 1862). Mrs. Cloud died in August, 1865. In February of the next year, Mr. Cloud was married to Catherine Henson, daughter of George T. and Elizabeth Henson. By this marriage there were seven children: Karon L. (born in 1867), Thomas B. (born in August, 1869), Sallie E. (born in 1871), T. H., Jr. (born in 1873), Belle (born in 1875), Walter (born in 1877), Minnie V. (born in January, 1884). Mr. Cloud enlisted in the Confederate army in 1862, in Capt. Miller's company, of Gen. Fagan's scouts, taking part in the battle at Helena. He was captured in Dallas County, Ark., and taken to Little Rock, in February, 1864, being transferred to the prison in St. Louis, and in August of the same year was taken to Alton. From there, in December, he was removed to Rock Island, remaining till February, 1865, when he was exchanged to New Orleans, being released in April. Returning home, he was elected treasurer of Hot Spring County in 1850, and served till 1854. He was then elected school commissioner, filling the office for six years. In 1861 and 1862 he served as deputy sheriff of his county, and in 1865 was appointed as sheriff by the Governor to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Clayton, holding the position with credit to his county for the remaining two years. Mrs. Cloud is an active member of the Missionary Baptist Church. In the various capacities to which Mr. Cloud has been called, he has distinguished himself with peculiar care and fidelity, winning the hearty approbation of all.
W. H. Collie
W. H. Collie, farmer, of Fenter Township, has been a resident of this State since December, 1845. He is a native of Tennessee, and the son of Charles and Margaret (Clack) Collie. When their son was only nine years old the parents removed to Mississippi, where they remained four years, coming thence to Hot Spring County, where the father died in 1872, at the age of seventy. He had been a blacksmith and farmer by occupation. The mother, who was a member of the Baptist church, died in 1865. Of their family of eleven children who grew to maturity, six are now residing in this county: Louis (in Fenter Township), Joseph (in Antioch Township), Mary A. (wife of Quincy Laften, of Fenter Township), W. H. (our subject) and John W. (in Saline Township). W. H. Collie lived with his parents till his twenty-third year, working on the farm and applying himself with assiduity. At that age he was married to Miss Narcissa Wilson, a native of Independence County, Ark. Following this he farmed till the war cloud burst, when he enlisted in the Eleventh Arkansas Regiment, and served till the close of hostilities. His regiment was in numerous engagements, and he was once captured and held about six months. When released he came back home and bought the forty acres on which, with forty acres added, he now lives. He and wife are the parents of nine children: Martha (deceased), Fannie (wife of E. W. McMillen, of this county), George W., Samuel L., William R., James L., Sarah J., Joseph B., Bessie and Effie. Mr. Collie makes a specialty of cotton raising. He and his wife are active members of the Missionary Baptist church, taking great interest in religious and moral work.
Judge Alphonzo Curl
Judge Alphonzo Curl is one of the best known attorneys of Hot Spring County, and one of the oldest residents in the southwest-central portion of the State, having emigrated to this locality in 1847 with his parents, from Tennessee. He was the son of Larkin J. and Martha J. (Shepard) Curl, both natives of Tennessee. The paternal great-grandfather, William Curl, was a native of North Carolina, but of English descent, and was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. The paternal grandfather was also a native of North Carolina, in 1806 emigrating to Hickman County, Tenn. He married Keziah Gambling, a native of North Carolina; her father was an officer in the Revolutionary War. Larkin J. Curl was born in 1814, in Hickman County, Tenn., and was married in Perry County, Tenn., in 1838, to Martha J. Shepard. They were the parents of seven children: Alphonzo (the subject of this sketch), William (in the employ of the Hot Springs Railroad), Mary M. (deceased wife of Allen M. Thornton), Keziah J. (wife of M. B. Thornton, of this county), Frances (wife of James C. Burk, now of Fayetteville, Ark.), Lindsey J. (who lives on the old homestead) and Louisa E. (wife of Peyton McCullers, of this county). Judge Curl was born in Perry County, Tenn., July 11, 1839. When he was seven years old his parents moved to this county and settled on a wild piece of land of 160 acres. Here his youthful days were passed; his education being had in such schools as frontier life might offer. At the age of twenty-one he left the farm, and taught school until the breaking out of the Civil War, when he enlisted in the Eleventh Arkansas Infantry, under Col. J. M. Smith, in which he served for four years, taking part in the battle of Island No. 10, and a number of others. At the last named engagement he was captured and held prisoner for five months at Camp Butler, Ill. After his release he was in the siege of Port Hudson, and on a raid by Col. John L. Logan was again taken prisoner near Natchez, Miss., being at that time first lieutenant. He was taken to Johnson's Island, where he was held twenty two months, until the close of the war, after which, returning home, he engaged in teaching school and clerking in a store until 1872, during this time also studying surveying. In 1873 Gov. Baxter appointed him justice of the peace of Hot Springs. He then took up the study of law, and was admitted to the bar in June, 1875, and in 1878 was admitted to the bar of the supreme court. The following year he moved to Malvern, and commenced the practice of law, where he still follows his profession. He has been elected by the bar as especial judge several times. Judge Curl was married on September 15, 1867, in Hot Springs, to Adelaide A. Keeler, a native of Broom County, N. Y., and a descendant of the Puritans who came to this country in the Mayflower. They were the parents of six children: Edith L. (an artist), Martha A. (a student at Ward's Seminary, at Nashville, Tenn.), Irene and Whitney (both students), Edna Aleen and Beulah. Mrs. Curl died on October 22, 1885, at the age of thirty-nine years. She was a devoted and active church member and a practical friend of the poor. Judge Curl is a member of the Methodist Church, and also belongs to the A.F.&A.M. and the I.O.O.F., having held the office of D.D.G.M. in the former lodge. He is a member of the Sunday-school board of Little Rock conferences, and has been for a number of years regarded as among the leading School-school workers in this portion of the State. He is a prominent Democrat, has always been a strong advocate and worker for educational interests and literary societies, and is one of the leading men in the community.
Milton Davis
Milton Davis, a well-known farmer of Hot Spring County, was born in Jackson County, Tenn., July 5, 1823, and is the son of Joshua and Sallie (Moody) Davis, natives of Virginia. Joshua Davis died in Dallas County, Mo., when about sixty-six years of age. His wife met her death in the same county when near the age of sixty. They were married in Virginia, moving thence first to Ohio, subsequently to Tennessee, and still later to Dallas County, Mo., where they remained until their death. He had been a farmer, and worked some at the coopers' trade, being very successful, but through his liberality he lost much money. Both he and his wife were members of the Christian Church, taking great interest in church matters. He served in the War of 1812, and participated in the battle of New Orleans and other engagements. He was a member of the Masonic order, and in politics was a Whig. A family of twelve children were born to him, of whom Milton, our subject, is the only one living. Milton Davis received his education in Tennessee and Dallas County, Mo., remaining at home until the death of his parents. He then began to farm for himself, living in Dallas County until 1849, when he came to this county, and has made his home here ever since. After a few years he turned his attention to the wheelwright trade, which he has continued to a certain extent since that time. On May 10, 1847, he was married to Miss Alice A. Henson, who was born January 30, 1830, in Alabama. By this union there were seven children: Ben A. (born November 10, 1848, a prominent farmer of this county), John (born August 16, 1850, a farmer of this county), Sarah (wife of Patterson Haley, of Grant County, born October 6, 1852), Isaac R. (born December 1, 1854; died when eight years old), Martha (born December 17, 1856, wife of M. D. Knight, a farmer of this county), Mary C. (born July 14, 1859, wife of John A. Parrish), Laura L. (born July 22, 1862, wife of Ansel M. Parrish, a farmer of this county), William H. (born October 19, 1866, at home). In July, 1864, Mr. Davis enlisted in the Home Guards, his family going to Texas. After the battle of Jenkins' Ferry, he returned and began life again with nothing whatever. By industry and good management, he now has control of 240 acres of good land, with about sixty under cultivation. He is a Democrat, and has served his township four years as justice of the peace, with honor to himself and satisfaction to all law-abiding citizens.
N. W. Denty
N. W. Denty, accounted one of Hot Spring County's leading merchants, was born in Marshall County, Miss., July 31, 1847, as the son of John R. and Mary Ann (Irvine) Denty, natives of Georgia and Tennessee, respectively. They made Marshall County their home, he dying there at the age of seventy-eight years in 1885, and his wife passing away in March, 1862. He had always followed farming, and as such was very successful. He was a Mason of some distinction, having taken the higher degrees. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and he was a believer in the principles of Democracy. Mary S., wife of W. T. Nesbit, of Mississippi, was a child by a former marriage. N. W. Denty received his education in the home schools, attending some before and some after the war. In May, 1863, he enlisted in Smith's company, Eighteenth Mississippi Battalion, where he served until May, 1865. Among the battles in which he took part are Spring Hill, Franklin and Fort Pillow. During a raid in Tennessee, he had some very narrow escapes, but always managed to come out all right. In 1869 he turned his attention to farming in De Soto County, Miss. He remained there until the year 1880, when he came to Arkansas and located at Donaldson, embarking in the mercantile business, in which he has since been continuously engaged. As postmaster of Donaldson he has served for five years. In 1868 he married Miss Nanny Johnson, of Mississippi. She died in this county September 12, 1883, leaving five children, all of whom are living: Irvine L., Lulu E., Maggie E., John R. and Samuel J. Mr. Denty was married the second time July 25, 1884, Miss Laura Johnson, sister to the first Mrs. Denty, becoming his wife. She died December 19, 1887, leaving two children: Mina B. and Imogen. His first wife was a member of the Christian Church, which he connected himself with the Knights of Honor and the Democratic party. He is progressive and prosperous; and loyal and honored among his fellow citizens, doing all he can for the welfare of his town and county.
John W. Dorman
John W. Dorman, an old settler of Fenter Township, Hot Spring County, has been a resident of the country since 1850. His father, William Dorman, was a native of Maryland, where he was engaged in farming, and took part in the Indian War. He died in January, 1850, at the age of fifty years. Both he and his wife (who was a native of North Carolina) were members of the Methodist Church. Mrs. Dorman lived until 1887, when she died on September 20, at the age of eighty-three years. They were the parents of ten children, two of whom only are living: John W. (the subject of this sketch) and Allen (a farmer of Cleveland County). John W. Dorman came to Arkansas with his parents in 1850, and the same year his father died of cholera. The mother then entered eighty acres of land, and afterward 240 more in Bradley County, and in what is now Cleveland County, which she and her sons improved, and where John remained until the breaking out of the Civil War. Then he enlisted in the First Arkansas Infantry, under Col. Fagan, and served four years and one month, taking part in the battles of Shiloh (where he was wounded and disabled for three months), Perryville, Ky., Chickamauga (where he was again wounded, this time in the thigh). After this last battle he was employed as a scout until the close of the war. When the war closed he returned to this mother's farm, which he then purchased, living upon the same until 1873, when he sold out and moved to Lincoln County, where he remained one year, then returning. In the winter of 1881 he moved to Hot Spring County and here entered 120 acres of land under the homestead act, on which he now lives. Mr. Dorman was married to Harriet Hanes, on January 9, 1867. They are the parents of six children: Emily L. (wife of James A. Horn, of Saline Township), William Henry, Mollie, Hattie, Perry (deceased) and John (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Dorman are members of the Methodist Church. The former was justice of the peace in Cleveland County before moving to Hot Spring County. He is a successful farmer, making a specialty of potatoes and small fruit raising, is a self-made man, and one of the influential residents of his township.
Joseph H. Downey
Joseph H. Downey, the son of John and Mary Downey, natives of South Carolina, was born in Gwinnett County, Ga., in 1823. His paternal grandmother was a native of Ireland, who came to America prior to the Revolutionary War, and took part in that struggle. He first settled in South Carolina, where he engaged in farming. Afterward moving to Alabama, he died at the advanced age of one hundred years. When but seventeen years old Joseph H. Downey left home and enlisted in the army under Wood, serving through the Seminole War. At the close of this brief contest, he returned home and worked on a farm, and in 1838 was married to Ann Vandevier, a native of South Carolina. After this important event, Mr. Downey rented land a few years, when he moved to Georgia and bought property, remaining there until 1854, when he removed to Hot Spring County, Ark., four miles south of Malvern. Here he improved land on which he resided until 1856, then settling in Ouachita River bottom upon a landed purchase of eighty acres, which he improved. In 1857 he again changed his residence, this time locating on the property he now makes his home. He is the father of six children: William S. (killed at Gettysburg, a member of the Third Arkansas Infantry), George L., Whitfield, Lafayette J., Margaret J. and Sarah P. He has also reared three grandchildren: John T., William K. and Mary P. During the war he served in the Twenty-seventh Arkansas Regiment, Confederate army. Mr. Downey is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and has been steward and class leader for years. Always taking a great interest in churches and schools, he is a warm friend of educational and religious work. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity.
W. W. Dutton
W. W. Dutton, the popular circuit clerk and ex officio county clerk of Hot Spring County, was born in Marshall, Tex., and is a son of Alfred Dutton and Eliza Dyer, of Massachusetts and Indiana, respectively. The father was educated in his younger days for the ministry, and graduated from Bowdoin College, at Springfield, Mass., but shortly after that event he moved to Texas, where he took up the study of law and was licensed to practice. While there he met and married his wife, by whom he had three children: Henry O. (now residing at Mount Vernon, Tex., and a prominent merchant of that place), W. W. (the principal in this sketch) and Eudora J. (wife of J. E. Kimberlin, also of Mount Vernon, Tex.). W. W. Dutton, the second son of his parents, was reared on a farm in Texas, and educated in the public schools of his native county. In 1872 he moved to Hot Spring County, Ark., and commenced farming, and at the same time employed part of his time in teaching. In 1880 he was appointed deputy clerk, and held that position a short time, but wishing to obtain a knowledge of the higher branches of education, he left it to attend the Arkansas University at Fayetteville. Some time after his return, in 1882, he was elected and served one term as circuit clerk and ex officio county clerk, and was again elected in 1888 on the Democratic ticket, filling these offices in a manner that reflected great credit on himself and with entire satisfaction to the people of Hot Spring County. His pleasant address and agreeable manners, as well as his efficiency and manifested qualification in the discharge of official duties, have won the confidence of his fellow citizens, and he well deserves the honor bestowed upon him. Mr. Dutton was married November 15, 1884, to Miss Annie L. Orr, of Ohio, by whom he has had two children: Roy (born February 7, 1887) and Annie L. (born July 28, 1889).
John W. Easley
John W. Easley was born in Dallas County, Ark., July 13, 1859, being the son of Wiley and Mary A. (Henson) Easley, originally from Dallas County, Mo. Mr. Easley died in 1877 at the age of forty-nine years, but his wife is now residing with her son, the subject of this sketch. They were married in Dallas County, that State, and went to Texas during the war, remaining the rest of the time in Hot Spring County. He was engaged in the mercantile business in connection with farming, owning business at Donaldson, where he had the postoffice established and acted as postmaster for three years. For four years he served in the Confederate army, being commissioned as an officer in an Arkansas regiment, and participating in a number of battles. He also ably served his county as assessor for two years, and was recognized as a man of power and influence. His wife is a member of the Missionary Baptist church, and he belonged to the Masonic order, holding the position of master mason. He voted the Democratic ticket, and as a farmer was very successful. To their marriage was born a family of nine children, four now living: Augusta Mebreta (wife of Miles F. Nix, farmer of this county), John W. (our subject), Laura E. (wife of John Griffen, mill operator and farmer of this county) and Thomas Rolland (at home). John W. Easley received his education in the Arkadelphia high schools, and at his father's death took charge of his business, which he has since successfully managed. In 1888 he established his mill one mile south of Donaldson on the railroad, where, with a force of fifteen men, he turns out daily some 15,000 feet of oak and pine lumber. He finds his market in Des Moines, Iowa, and Omaha, Neb. He is also extensively engaged in farming, owning 400 acres of partly bottom land, with 140 acres under cultivation. Since 1886 he has been in the mercantile business at Donaldson. Upon the death of his father Mr. Easley became postmaster, remaining in office for about one year. He votes the Democratic ticket, and is one of Hot Spring County's go-ahead men. Every enterprise that has for an ultimatum the improvement of the condition of his fellow men finds him an earnest advocate. Pursuing his way in a quiet but effective manner, he has become widely and favorably known.
Samuel Alexander Emerson
Samuel Alexander Emerson, one of the early settlers of Hot Spring County, Ark., was a native of North Carolina, and came from that State in 1832, at the age of twenty-two years. He was born January 25, 1810, and his early outdoor life formed him into a strong, robust man after reaching his maturity. He was a perfect Hercules in form and strength, but withal a tender-hearted and self-sacrificing man. He was a devout Christian, and belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, as also the Masonic order, in which he stood high. Mr. Emerson settled on a farm of eighty acres southwest of Malvern, on the Ouachita River bottom, and that amount of land in those days was considered to make a very extensive farm. The county was thickly populated with bears, panthers, wolves, buffaloes, wildcats, and in fact every species of wild animal that infested that section of the country, and the life of a pioneer in those days was by no means a sinecure. His place is known to this day as the Old Emerson place, his name having become famous throughout that section, almost as much so as Davy Crockett's in Kentucky. With him came three brothers: Washington, Joseph and John, and four sisters: Mary, Elizabeth, Catharine and Amanda, as also the widowed mother. She, however, only survived for a few years after her arrival at the new home. The entire family resided all their lives in Hot Spring County, except Washington, who remained there but a few years, and then removed to Van Zandt County, Tex., where he lived to an advanced age. Col. A. R. Givens, of Revolutionary fame, came out from Augusta County, Va., in 1834, brining with him his son-in-law, Porterfield Rippetoe, and about sixty slaves. He entered a large tract of land in the Ouachita bottom, and after leaving his slaves and land in charge of Mr. Rippetoe, returned to his old home. He made several trips to and fro, and in 1841 came again, bringing with him his daughter, Sara Margaret, to join her elder sister, who had preceded her. Shortly after her arrival, Samuel A. Emerson met and won her hand in marriage, and was united to her on May 26, 1842. She was a native of Augusta County, Va., born on September 17, 1821, and a devout Christian lady, as well as a kind and affectionate mother after her marriage. Her death occurred October 19, 1858, on the place now owned by Mr. J. A. Miller, and she now rests in the old Rockport cemetery. Mr. Emerson purchased largely of town lots, in what is now known as Rockport, and erected the first hotel ever built in the county. He was an active, energetic and enterprising man, always to the front in looking after the best interests of his adopted county, and one of the few men who helped build up the town of Rockport. He was of an exceedingly religious character, and would allow no work, no matter what it was, to be done on Sunday, even the cooking for that day being done on Saturday. He was what is known as an old-time Methodist, and built the first church and school-house in Hot Spring County. In politics he was a stanch Democrat, and a leader of his party in that section, and always a valuable aid in putting his friends in office, although he would never accept one himself, until the year 1844, when he was elected county judge, and re-elected in 1846. In 1850 he was elected to represent his county in the legislature, and at the expiration of his term returned home, and in a conversation with his wife, told her that during the session he had grown in grace and in favor with his blessed Master, the great Author o his being. In May, 1851, he conceived the idea of building a grist-mill to be run by water, and immediately commenced erecting one down by the rocks near Rockport. During the summer months he was engaged in blasting the immense rocks at that point, and while occupied in this work, because so overheated that in September of the same year he died, and his remains rest beside the body of his wife in Rockport cemetery. Five children were born to this union: Samuel Alexander Emerson, Jr. (born May 28, 1843, and died September 15, 1845), Mary Elizabeth (born August 25, 1844, wife of Thomas J. Thrasher, by whom she has had nine children, two of whom are deceased), Samuel Henry (the third child and second son was born in Rockport on October 5, 1846). Samuel Henry Emerson was five years old when his father died, and eleven years of age when his mother passed away. He attended school four months in 1855, and five months in the year of 1857, and in 1859 attended five months more, and from September 1, 1860, to May 1, 1861, and about that period the first bugle notes calling the men to arms was heard through the country. He left school and joined a company then being formed at Rockport; and at that time was only fourteen years old. The company numbered seventy-five men, and had as members some of the leading and most influential men in the county, their captain being Daniel A. Newman. They left Rockport on June 24, 1861, at 1 o'clock P.M. for Lynchburg, Va., arriving there on the second day of July, and went into camp at the same time with nine other companies from Arkansas. The Third Arkansas Infantry Regiment was mustered into service with Col. Albert Rust commanding, and left immediately for Northwestern Virginia, where they were added to Gen. Bushrod Johnston's army. On January 1, 1862, the regiment was added to Gen. Lowering's command, and was with him on his noted Romany and Bath campaign in that section of Virginia. They were afterward held as reserve troops in Gen. McClellan's assault on Richmond, in the battles at Chickahominy, Mechanicsville, Gaines' Farm and Malvern Hill. Mr. Emerson was also with Stonewall Jackson at Harper's Ferry when 11,000 prisoners, seventy-three pieces of artillery and 18,000 stands of arms were captured. Two days later, on September 17, 1862, he was in the battle of Antietam against Gen. McClellan, when the Confederate army numbered 60,000 and the Federals numbered 120,000. After this engagement his regiment was placed in with the First, Fourth and Fifth Texas Regiments, and were known as the Texas Brigade of Hood's division, Longstreet's corps, and on December 11, 1862, they were confronted at Fredericksburg by Gen. Burnside, whom they defeated. In May, 1863, Gen. Joe Hooker issued forth from Washington, D. C., with flying colors, to wipe Lee and Jackson from off the earth. The two armies came together at Chancellorsville, Va., Mr. Emerson's division being held in reserve, but was never needed in that fight. In 1863 he went with Gen. Lee's army to Pennsylvania, taking part in the great battle of Gettysburg, and for three hours Hood's division of Longstreet's corps fought hand to hand with the enemy in the old peach orchard near Little Round Top. As Mr. Emerson graphically describes the scene, so it will be given: "I was shot down about sundown, and five others of my company were killed. My surroundings at this poing were awful to contemplate. There was a calm luster in the sky as I surveyed it from the valley in which I lay. The blue expanse was untarnished by a cloud. Around me everything presented the glorious beauties of a summer's day save the havoc of the broad battlefield, which lay bestrewed with the dead and wounded. The scene was too distressing for description. My thoughts wanders until I could trace the dawning of the sun upon our shores form the bosom of the Atlantic, and following his course until he sank in the peaceful waters of the Pacific. The enemy's ball had passed across the crown of my head, cleaving the skill, and I had fallen to the ground blind and paralyzed. The sun was just setting in the west, and for a moment diverted my thoughts, but they returned with a paroxysm of agony as I beheld the gray twilight settling in. Great God! I exclaimed, and must I remain here all night? I dare not look around me but cast my eyes upward to the sky, which was garnished with millions of stars, and the pale moon shed a dim light around me, as floating toward the west she promised soon to leave me in utter darkness. I always loved to look upon the heavens, and mark the bright globes as they rolled through their unknown sphere in the regions of space, but a glance now filled me with horror. I closed my eyes in hopes of shutting out the appalling vision, but it hung upon me like an incubus, and occasionally the rattle of musketry and the roar of cannon came rushing over my lacerated brain like traces of fire. In vain did I attempt to calm my feelings. They were as tumultuous as the troublesome ocean. Reason was powerless, and at length I feared had forsaken me forever. I doubted the reality of all around me, and strove to shake it off as a horrible dream. Vain efforts. Wild visions floated before me. My thoughts were bewildered, and though all my sufferings were indelibly impressed upon my brain, I was mad with terror and anguish. The stars and bars were lying at my feet. By and by the storm of battle passed away. The distant mutterings of the cannons soon ceased to fall upon my ear. Then, again, all was dark. Not a star could be seen twinkling in the sky. The heavens themselves were hidden by the thick veil of gloom as well as every object. 'O darkness, you revive my terrors.' I had read Byron's description of darkness, and its memory drew me within its horrid sphere. All was silence save the groans of the dying. I felt as if eternity had begun its reign, and that I was stationed in my allotted corner of endless duration. It appeared as if I were in the center of darkness, where light was never again destined to penetrate. Long and anxiously did I want and look around to catch the first dawning of light. I could have wept with joy to behold a single star, a single spark, if it were but the transient light of the firefly, but I saw nothing. Ages appeared to have rolled away and yet day came not. I feared that the sun had sent to rise no more for me. Fluttering and incoherent thoughts of death came over my mind. Was I in my grave, I mentally inquired. Can this be death? Can these fancies be the dreams of nothingness? Vain thoughts. I could not satisfy myself. I doubted my capacity to move. I strove to remember the cause of my dissolution, and the attendance of friends at the last moment of existence, but memory was like the dim shades of night, and the mist was impenetrable. Oblivion had stretched her pall over me. Heaven and earth seemed to have passed away. Memory was dead. Recollection had forsaken me. I knew not even where I was then. At length the thick clouds of gloom began to disperse. A feeble voice seemed to call: 'Oh, Sam!' Judge, those who can, how intently I listed for the second call: 'Oh, Sam!' Yet how I trembled that it should prove a delusion. O God, it was not. It was the voice of one of my comrades, who had been sent back by the captain of my company, he knowing that several had fallen in that particular locality, the peach orchard near the stone fence, as it will ever be remembered by the survivors of the Texas Brigade. For the first time in three long years did I think of home and friends as memory came rushing back to my brain. May I never witness another such night." He was placed in a wagon and hauled to Williamsport, Md., on the Potomac River, and there conveyed across the river to the Virginia side. From there he was transported to Harrisburg, Va., and then furloughed for thirty days, then going to Waynesboro, Va., and remaining with his mother's oldest sister, Eliza Fritch, until his recovery, when he joined his company again at Chickamauga, Ga. Mr. Emerson was next with Longstreet at Knoxville, Bulls' Gap, Morristown and Zolicoffee. In May, 1864, he was hurried back to Virginia, arriving on the battlefield of the Wilderness on the morning of the 6th of that month, and taking their position on the right of the plank road, soon drove the Federals from their position. At the second charge of his command Mr. Emerson was shot through the left foot, and was forced to return to his aunt's house at Waynesboro. Gangrene set in his wound, and it was thought at one time that the foot would have to be amputated, but fortunately this did not happen. This, however, prevented him from taking part in the battles of Cold Harbor, Spottsylvania Court House, and several others. His wound finally healed, and he rejoined his command February 17, 1865, near Richmond, Va., and was moved with them from that city April 3, taking part in a number of skirmishes on the retreat to Appomattox Court House, where they surrendered April 9, 1865. Mr. Emerson was one of the five privates of his company who surrendered, the remainder having been killed, captured and disabled. He was paroled on the 11th of that month, and, as he remarks, "made a bee-line for home." He reached Lynchburg and from there footed it all the way to Greenville, Tenn., where he obtained transportation to Nashville, and from there to Devall's Bluff, Ark. He next rode to Little Rock, and from there was compelled to foot it for forty-seven miles, reaching home May 10, 1865, after an absence of four years. Shortly after his arrival home Mr. Emerson was afflicted with the camp itch, which almost killed him. He was at that time a wild, reckless boy of nineteen years; but through the influence of Rev. A. B. Winfield, a circuit rider belonging to the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, he professed religion and joined that church, in September, 1865. October 10, 1865, he was married to Miss Mary Catherine Gill, a native of McNairy County, Tenn., G. C. Miller, Esq., performing the ceremony, at what is now known as the Kelly place. He turned his attention to farming after the war, and has continuously followed it. In the spring of 1872 he entered into business at the town of Rockport, with Mr. Joseph Guggenheimer as partner. When the Iron Mountain Railroad was built through the county, in 1872, he moved his mercantile business from Rockport to Malvern, and was the first dry-goods house establisted in that town. He built his present residence in Malvern in the fall of 1876, and moved his family into it, and December 31, in the same year, sold out his business. Mr. Emerson was the first mayor of Malvern, elected in 1876, and re-elected in 1877. He was elected to represent the county in the legislature in 1880, and re-elected in 1882. He was also elected sergeant-at-arms of the lower house in 1885, and July 14, in the same year, was appointed postmaster of Malvern by the Cleveland administration, and removed when Harrison was elected, on account of his politics, on December 1, 1889. Mr. and Mrs. Emerson have had the following children born to their marriage: Miner Alexander, Fred Garland, Samuel Vancaton, Sallie Ora, John Pinkney, Elbert Lee, Edward Henry, Mary Augusta, William Foster and Ethel Waldo. Mr. Emerson is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and also of the A.O.U.W. He has never fully recovered from the wound received at Gettysburg, and his head is not sometimes afflicted by it. After Samuel Alexander came John Bowey Emerson, the third son, who was born August 16, 1848, and died June 29, 1859. The fourth and last son, Elbert English, was born June 17, 1850, and resides in his native county. He was married to Miss Georgie A. Chandler, by who he had three children: Ernest Elbert, Alberta and Carlie. John Pinkney Emerson married a Miss Joyner, but has no children. He was a well-known Methodist preacher, and also a member of the Masonic fraternity. In politics he was a stanch Democrat, and was twice elected county clerk. His death occurred January 20, 1857, and his remains lie in the cemetery at Rockport. Joseph V. Emerson was born January 14, 1918, and married a Miss R. C. Riggs on February 2, 1847. Two children were born to this union: Martha J. and Joseph V., Jr. The first named was married to Mr. J. L. Robinson on May 14, 1866, and is now a widow with three children: Ed, Ollie and Frank. Joseph V. was married to A. M. Baker on January 10, 1879, by whom she has had one child. He was a man of great energy and enterprise, and one who loved justice. He had occasion to make a trip to Little Rock at one time, and went by wagon. On the return journey he took sick, and died before reaching home, his death occurring on January 14, 1858. He also sleeps in the Rockport Cemetery. Mary Emerson, the oldest of the daughters, was married to Mr. George C. Miller, of Augusta County, Va., who came to Hot Spring County in 1835. Two children were born to this union: Hannah E. and Martha R. The first named married Mr. Ewell Chamberlain, who died July 28, 1865, from wounds received at the battle of Gettysburg. Two children were born to this union: Eliza and Hannah, the former being now the wife of Mr. Amos H. Bassett, who shortly afterward moved to Wyoming Territory, and the latter married to Mr. D. H. Rutherford, and residing at Magnet Cove, in the northern part of the county, where she has a family of seven children. Martha R., the second daughter of G. C. and Mary (Emerson) Miller, was married to Mr. J. A. Miller on October 3, 1865, by whom she has had four children: George C., Altha, Thomas and Hattie. Their mother died September 29, 1880, and she too sleeps in the cemetery at Rockport. Elizabeth Emerson married Martin Ward on October 16, 1836, and died July 8, 1838. No children were born to their union. Catherine married Mr. Thomas Blakely, by whom she had two children: William R. and Eliza. The latter is still living, and resides in Hot Spring County, the wife of Mr. W. J. Robinson, by whom she has one child. William R. died in Little Rock on October 2, 1888. Amanda Emerson was married three times. Her first husband was Adam Blakely, who died a year after their union, leaving one son, James T. Blakely, who lived to maturity and was married to a Miss Gardner, by whom he had three children. He and wife are both deceased, while the children are cared for by the wife's family. Amanda's second marriage was to Mr. John F. Keith, by whom she had three children, two yet living. This husband died during the war while serving in the army. Their son, John W., was married to a Miss Jennie S. Nichols, by whom he has a family of eight children. Louis D. married James H. McCammon, who died February 10, 1888. She is now a widow with one child. Amanda's third marriage was to Sherrell Gentry, by whom one child is living and grown, Thomas J. Gentry. She has long since died, and sleeps in the Rockford Cemetery. The remainder of this remarkable family are residing in Hot Spring County, and are among its best known and most respected people.
George L. Erwin
George L. Erwin is a well-known resident of Fenter Township, having been a citizen of the county since 1867. Originally from Mississippi, he was reared in Tennessee, the native State of his parents, Nathaniel B. and Susan C. (Mitchel) Erwin. His father moved to Lamar County, Tex., in 1859, and the following year to Lonoke County, Ark., where he lived until his death, which occurred in 1868, his wife dying in 1862. Mrs. Erwin was a member of the Presbyterian Church. George L. Erwin accompanied his parents to Texas, and later to Arkansas, where he lived at home until June 14, 1861, then enlisting in the Confederate army, in the Twenty-ninth Arkansas Infantry, in which he served until the close of the war; he participated in the battles of Prairie Grove, Jenkins' Ferry, Poison Springs, Helena and a number of others, and at Prairie Grove was wounded by a minie ball in the neck and shoulder. After the war he engaged as a stage driver from Little Rock to Hot Springs, thus being occupied for two years. Coming thence to this county he was united in marriage with Mrs. Mary A. Beauchamp (nee Gills), a widow lady, in 1867. After his marriage Mr. Erwin bought land in Fenter Township and commenced farming, continuing with fair success until his removal to Little Rock in 1871. Three years after he moved back to his farm, and a short time following entered eighty acres under the homestead act, on which he still resides, and which he has improved and added to, so that he now has a fine farm of 120 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Erwin are the parents of eight children, four of whom are living: Needham E. (deceased), George L. (deceased), Herbert F. (deceased), Minnie L. (deceased), James A. (lives at home), Luke, Galdin May and Willie B. (all at home). Mrs. Erwin is a member of the Methodist church. In his farming operations Mr. Erwin ably demonstrates his acquaintances with agricultural affairs. He is a representative tiller of the soil, and a man who enjoys the respect of all acquaintances.