Personal Sketches of Earliest Settlers of Northwest Arkansas By Alvin Seamster
From The Benton County Democrat (1950) - Now the NWA Democrat Gazette- The Century of Progress Edition
From The Benton County Democrat (1950) - Now the NWA Democrat Gazette- The Century of Progress Edition
Special mention should be given to some of the first Arkansayers; the ones who first came to Arkansas, then later to Benton County and Bentonville.
John W. Peel was one of the first to come to Arkansas, in 1815. He, with his father and mother and fourteen other family members, settled in Independence County. He was the son of Richard and Elizabeth (Wilson) Peel and grandson of Thomas Peel, a native of Ireland. Richard was born in Virgina about 1780, later moving to Kentucky, where John W. was married to Elizabeth Peel and was the father of Sam W. Peel, a former Congressman from this district. John W. Peel moved to Carroll County, Arkansas, in 1837. After the death of his first wife, he married Malinda Wilson, from Lincoln County, Tenn. They had several children, Elizabeth Rice, Margaret Pittman, John C., Alfred, Joseph H., and Ellen Knott. Mr Peel at one time was county judge of Independence County for 12 years. One of my best friends in my early boyhood was Col. Sam W. Peel, whom I visited often and from him learned much of the early life of his ancestors.
Joseph S. Dickson, who came to Benton County, with his wife, Mary Hare Dickson, was a grandson of Robert Dickson, of Lincoln County, N. C., who came to Benton County in 1831, where Joseph was born in 1839. Robert Dickson was one of the first white men to live in Benton County, and he settled where Bentonville now stands. In 1868, on November 7th, Joseph S. Dickson married Sarah C. Pickens, and they were the parents of Judge W. A. Dickson, who was their first born. The Dicksons were Scotch, the original Joseph Dickson, who was born in 1740, having been a descendant of the House of Keith and Douglas, in the 13th century. I have the coat of arms of the Dicksons which is known as the arms of Buhtrig, a combination of the Keith and Douglas arms.
With space enough a history could be written about the Dicksons, McKissicks, Hendersons, McEwens and other families, their ancestry and descendants. Judge Dickson will long be remembered for the part he played in Bentonville and Benton County and its development.
John H. Ford was born in Benton County in 1835, north of Bentonville. His father was Richard Ford and mother Isabelle (Logan).
Major John Bennet Dickson was born in North Carolina, in 1793. His wife was Charlotte Benton Temple, born in 1800 in North Carolina. Mr. Dickson was a soldier under Andrew Jackson in the war of 1812. He came to Benton County in 1837. Charlotte Temple Dickson was a cousin of Thomas Hart Benton, for whom this county was named. Lon and Dwight Dickson, nephews of J. T. McGill, are descendants of this branch of the Dicksons.
James W. Clark was born in Giles County, Tenn., in 1825, and was of Scotch-Irish descent. His wife, to whom he was married in Bentonville in 1844, was Jane M. Dickson. He was a saddle and harness maker by trade. In 1845 he erected the Clark Hotel, which was later called the Eagle Hotel. It stood where the Massey now stands. General Siegel made this place his headquarters before the battle of Pea Ridge. Mr. Clark donated six acres of land to the public school, which was used for school purposes until the present site was purchased. He was the father of William R., Pierce, Charles T., Oscar P., Carson E. and Belle, wife of Joseph Peel. Mr. Clark was an ancestor of Kate and Kella Clark, whom we all know so well; also George and Bump Clark. They were all Democrats and Methodists.
James T. Craig, born in Ray County, Tenn., December 22, 1818, was the son of Samuel and Jane (Henderson) Craig. James T. clerked in Ft. Smith and in the Indian Territory and in 1846 married Samantha Reagan, of Tennessee. She only lived two years and died in 1848, when the family lived at Cane Hill, Washington County. In 1851 he again married, Elizabeth A. Russell of Tennessee. They had three sons, Charles R., Edward A., and George M. Charles R., father of James R., and grandfather of the Craig boys, married Lottie Redding. James T. was a merchant and he and his sons operated the business of Craig and Sons.
James Henderson Berry was born in Alabama in 1841 and moved to Carroll County in 1848. He was a lieutenant in the Civil War, losing a leg at the battle of Corinth, Miss. He studied law and was elected to the legislature from Carroll County, coming to Benton County in 1869, practiced law and was elected to the legislature from Benton County, then was elected Circuit Judge. Mr. Berry was elected Governor and served one term. He stated that the reason he didn't run for a second term was, that the office didn't pay enough to keep his six children in Little Rock.
Mr. Berry was elected United States Senator, to fill the 4 years unexpired term of Augustus H. Garland, who entered the cabinet of Grover Cleveland. He was re-elected to the Senate three times and served 22 years in all. He was a brother-in-law of Col. Sam W. Peel. He is the father of Elliott and Fred, who reside in Bentonville, and have contributed much to the county and town.
John W. Peel was one of the first to come to Arkansas, in 1815. He, with his father and mother and fourteen other family members, settled in Independence County. He was the son of Richard and Elizabeth (Wilson) Peel and grandson of Thomas Peel, a native of Ireland. Richard was born in Virgina about 1780, later moving to Kentucky, where John W. was married to Elizabeth Peel and was the father of Sam W. Peel, a former Congressman from this district. John W. Peel moved to Carroll County, Arkansas, in 1837. After the death of his first wife, he married Malinda Wilson, from Lincoln County, Tenn. They had several children, Elizabeth Rice, Margaret Pittman, John C., Alfred, Joseph H., and Ellen Knott. Mr Peel at one time was county judge of Independence County for 12 years. One of my best friends in my early boyhood was Col. Sam W. Peel, whom I visited often and from him learned much of the early life of his ancestors.
Joseph S. Dickson, who came to Benton County, with his wife, Mary Hare Dickson, was a grandson of Robert Dickson, of Lincoln County, N. C., who came to Benton County in 1831, where Joseph was born in 1839. Robert Dickson was one of the first white men to live in Benton County, and he settled where Bentonville now stands. In 1868, on November 7th, Joseph S. Dickson married Sarah C. Pickens, and they were the parents of Judge W. A. Dickson, who was their first born. The Dicksons were Scotch, the original Joseph Dickson, who was born in 1740, having been a descendant of the House of Keith and Douglas, in the 13th century. I have the coat of arms of the Dicksons which is known as the arms of Buhtrig, a combination of the Keith and Douglas arms.
With space enough a history could be written about the Dicksons, McKissicks, Hendersons, McEwens and other families, their ancestry and descendants. Judge Dickson will long be remembered for the part he played in Bentonville and Benton County and its development.
John H. Ford was born in Benton County in 1835, north of Bentonville. His father was Richard Ford and mother Isabelle (Logan).
Major John Bennet Dickson was born in North Carolina, in 1793. His wife was Charlotte Benton Temple, born in 1800 in North Carolina. Mr. Dickson was a soldier under Andrew Jackson in the war of 1812. He came to Benton County in 1837. Charlotte Temple Dickson was a cousin of Thomas Hart Benton, for whom this county was named. Lon and Dwight Dickson, nephews of J. T. McGill, are descendants of this branch of the Dicksons.
James W. Clark was born in Giles County, Tenn., in 1825, and was of Scotch-Irish descent. His wife, to whom he was married in Bentonville in 1844, was Jane M. Dickson. He was a saddle and harness maker by trade. In 1845 he erected the Clark Hotel, which was later called the Eagle Hotel. It stood where the Massey now stands. General Siegel made this place his headquarters before the battle of Pea Ridge. Mr. Clark donated six acres of land to the public school, which was used for school purposes until the present site was purchased. He was the father of William R., Pierce, Charles T., Oscar P., Carson E. and Belle, wife of Joseph Peel. Mr. Clark was an ancestor of Kate and Kella Clark, whom we all know so well; also George and Bump Clark. They were all Democrats and Methodists.
James T. Craig, born in Ray County, Tenn., December 22, 1818, was the son of Samuel and Jane (Henderson) Craig. James T. clerked in Ft. Smith and in the Indian Territory and in 1846 married Samantha Reagan, of Tennessee. She only lived two years and died in 1848, when the family lived at Cane Hill, Washington County. In 1851 he again married, Elizabeth A. Russell of Tennessee. They had three sons, Charles R., Edward A., and George M. Charles R., father of James R., and grandfather of the Craig boys, married Lottie Redding. James T. was a merchant and he and his sons operated the business of Craig and Sons.
James Henderson Berry was born in Alabama in 1841 and moved to Carroll County in 1848. He was a lieutenant in the Civil War, losing a leg at the battle of Corinth, Miss. He studied law and was elected to the legislature from Carroll County, coming to Benton County in 1869, practiced law and was elected to the legislature from Benton County, then was elected Circuit Judge. Mr. Berry was elected Governor and served one term. He stated that the reason he didn't run for a second term was, that the office didn't pay enough to keep his six children in Little Rock.
Mr. Berry was elected United States Senator, to fill the 4 years unexpired term of Augustus H. Garland, who entered the cabinet of Grover Cleveland. He was re-elected to the Senate three times and served 22 years in all. He was a brother-in-law of Col. Sam W. Peel. He is the father of Elliott and Fred, who reside in Bentonville, and have contributed much to the county and town.
Rev. J. Dunagin settled in Benton County, near Avoca in 1844. He was the son of Hiram and Mary (Rush) Dunagin, both of whom were Georgians. He was married in 1847 to Susan Cavness, a native of Tennessee, whose parents came to Benton County while it was still a territory. She was the mother of nine children, John R., Dunagin and Amanda Seamster, wife of F. M. Seamster, being two of them. He was ordained a Baptist minister in 1849, and was a member of the state legislature for nine years and was a member when the state seceded. Albert Dunagin, who died a few weeks ago from Gravette, was a grandson.
Hon. Samuel N. Elliott was born in Rutherford County, Tenn., in 1823. He was the son of James and Adaline (Bowman) Elliott. His brothers and sons were interested in the silver mines in New Mexico for several years. Judge Elliott was a distinguished lawyer. He was Judge Advocate of court marshall during the Civil War. After the war he came to Bentonville and resumed the practice of law. He was elected county judge in 1876 and held the office for 8 years. Mrs. Adeline Woods of Bentonville, the widow of J. B. Woods, and mother of Harry Woods is a daughter. Harry was named for his uncle, Harry Elliott.
Stephen Thomas Fair was son of Ellis and Nancy Hamilton (Easley) Fair; his father being born in South Carolina and the mother in Tennessee. They came to Benton County in 1859 and settled near the McKissick springs, where Centerton now stands. Joseph A. Fair married Martha Ann Russell. Stephen T. Fair served all through the war and was with Col. Wm. Penn Adairs 2nd Cherokee Regiment, as adjutant. After the war he married Agnes Ann Womack, who was born in Wilson County, Tennessee. Mr. Fair was the father of Mrs. Joe Beasley.
John A. Fields, born in Tennessee, September 29, 1833, was the son of Redden and Polly (Farrington) Fields. He came to Benton County in 1853 and settled in the McKissick Springs neighborhood. He was a lieutenant in the 2nd Arkansas Cavalry in Col. Thompson's regiment. He married Mary L. (Townsend) Smith in 1867. He was the father of the late Charles L. Fields and was the grandfather of Edgar, Harley and Roy Fields.
Jonathan Gregory and wife, who was a sister of George Featherston's father came to Benton County from Tennessee in the 1840's and settled west of town. John Gregory, a son. married Catherine Hoback. They were the parents of Lee Gregory, who still resides northwest of town. William Gregory, another son, was the father of the late Bud Gregory.
Roland D. Mitchell, was born in Alabama in 1827, the son of Boswell and Mary Mitchell. He was married in Tennessee to Mary P. Lyde. His second marriage was to Mary O. Rice, at Lee Town. One of their daughters married Ed Trone and was the mother of the Trone family, who played an important part in the building of the county after the war.
Wiliam Miser, son of G. W. and Jane Miser, was born at Lee Town in 1853. He married Miss M. V. Pickens, a native of the county. At an early age Mr. Miser was postmaster at Bright Water.
John H. Patterson and Mary S. Patterson, Tennesseans, were among the first settlers on Pea Ridge. Their son, John H., Jr., was born on Pea Ridge in 1854. He was a teacher by profession and married to Dora Rich.
Dr. Henry Powell, son of Henry and Elizabeth (Davis) Powell, was born in Tennessee. He was married to Mary A. Phagan in 1831 and moved to Norwood Prairie, in Benton County, in 1838, They were the parents Dr. Thomas W. and Oscar P. Powell, who were very instrumental in building the southwest part of this county.
Tom Peasley, son of Andrew and Sarah Peasley, was born in Tennessee in 1831 and move to this county in 1832 with his parents.
John Alexander Robinson was born in Tennessee in 1829, the son of John Brown and Jane McKissick (Dickson) Robinson. He came to this county in 1836, and later married Sarah Jane Yell.
Elijah Williams, born in North Carolina in 1816, came to this county in 1873. His youngest son was Lon Williams, former legislator and county judge and one of the best loved men in my time. He was my first school teacher in school and was always a wonderful adviser. He was the father of Lenna, Esmond and Lyle, whom we all know so well.
Elder Larkin Scott, born in Barren County, Ky., in 1818, moved to Benton County in 1856. He was the son of Samuel and Hannah (Phillips) Scott. Larkin Scott married Sarah Kirk in 1836, who was a daughterof Daniel and Sarah (Caldwell) Kirk. He was an ordained minister of the Christian Church. He organized the Wire Springs Church, which I attended in later years, it being the old school house. He had eleven children. Mrs. Martha M. Oakley was one of them and was a neighbor for many years.
Rev. J. Wade Sikes, born in 1828, a son of Robert and Elizabeth Sikes, of Tennessee, came to Arkansas in 1854, was a teacher, lawyer and politician. He was county clerk in 1866. He was a member of the Second Arkansas Rifles, and in the battle of Atlanta, Ga., lost his left arm. After the war, he was ordained a Baptist minister. He was a great fox hunter, having attended the hunt at McNally's farm in 1928, at the age of 100 years, dying about six months later.
Hon. Samuel N. Elliott was born in Rutherford County, Tenn., in 1823. He was the son of James and Adaline (Bowman) Elliott. His brothers and sons were interested in the silver mines in New Mexico for several years. Judge Elliott was a distinguished lawyer. He was Judge Advocate of court marshall during the Civil War. After the war he came to Bentonville and resumed the practice of law. He was elected county judge in 1876 and held the office for 8 years. Mrs. Adeline Woods of Bentonville, the widow of J. B. Woods, and mother of Harry Woods is a daughter. Harry was named for his uncle, Harry Elliott.
Stephen Thomas Fair was son of Ellis and Nancy Hamilton (Easley) Fair; his father being born in South Carolina and the mother in Tennessee. They came to Benton County in 1859 and settled near the McKissick springs, where Centerton now stands. Joseph A. Fair married Martha Ann Russell. Stephen T. Fair served all through the war and was with Col. Wm. Penn Adairs 2nd Cherokee Regiment, as adjutant. After the war he married Agnes Ann Womack, who was born in Wilson County, Tennessee. Mr. Fair was the father of Mrs. Joe Beasley.
John A. Fields, born in Tennessee, September 29, 1833, was the son of Redden and Polly (Farrington) Fields. He came to Benton County in 1853 and settled in the McKissick Springs neighborhood. He was a lieutenant in the 2nd Arkansas Cavalry in Col. Thompson's regiment. He married Mary L. (Townsend) Smith in 1867. He was the father of the late Charles L. Fields and was the grandfather of Edgar, Harley and Roy Fields.
Jonathan Gregory and wife, who was a sister of George Featherston's father came to Benton County from Tennessee in the 1840's and settled west of town. John Gregory, a son. married Catherine Hoback. They were the parents of Lee Gregory, who still resides northwest of town. William Gregory, another son, was the father of the late Bud Gregory.
Roland D. Mitchell, was born in Alabama in 1827, the son of Boswell and Mary Mitchell. He was married in Tennessee to Mary P. Lyde. His second marriage was to Mary O. Rice, at Lee Town. One of their daughters married Ed Trone and was the mother of the Trone family, who played an important part in the building of the county after the war.
Wiliam Miser, son of G. W. and Jane Miser, was born at Lee Town in 1853. He married Miss M. V. Pickens, a native of the county. At an early age Mr. Miser was postmaster at Bright Water.
John H. Patterson and Mary S. Patterson, Tennesseans, were among the first settlers on Pea Ridge. Their son, John H., Jr., was born on Pea Ridge in 1854. He was a teacher by profession and married to Dora Rich.
Dr. Henry Powell, son of Henry and Elizabeth (Davis) Powell, was born in Tennessee. He was married to Mary A. Phagan in 1831 and moved to Norwood Prairie, in Benton County, in 1838, They were the parents Dr. Thomas W. and Oscar P. Powell, who were very instrumental in building the southwest part of this county.
Tom Peasley, son of Andrew and Sarah Peasley, was born in Tennessee in 1831 and move to this county in 1832 with his parents.
John Alexander Robinson was born in Tennessee in 1829, the son of John Brown and Jane McKissick (Dickson) Robinson. He came to this county in 1836, and later married Sarah Jane Yell.
Elijah Williams, born in North Carolina in 1816, came to this county in 1873. His youngest son was Lon Williams, former legislator and county judge and one of the best loved men in my time. He was my first school teacher in school and was always a wonderful adviser. He was the father of Lenna, Esmond and Lyle, whom we all know so well.
Elder Larkin Scott, born in Barren County, Ky., in 1818, moved to Benton County in 1856. He was the son of Samuel and Hannah (Phillips) Scott. Larkin Scott married Sarah Kirk in 1836, who was a daughterof Daniel and Sarah (Caldwell) Kirk. He was an ordained minister of the Christian Church. He organized the Wire Springs Church, which I attended in later years, it being the old school house. He had eleven children. Mrs. Martha M. Oakley was one of them and was a neighbor for many years.
Rev. J. Wade Sikes, born in 1828, a son of Robert and Elizabeth Sikes, of Tennessee, came to Arkansas in 1854, was a teacher, lawyer and politician. He was county clerk in 1866. He was a member of the Second Arkansas Rifles, and in the battle of Atlanta, Ga., lost his left arm. After the war, he was ordained a Baptist minister. He was a great fox hunter, having attended the hunt at McNally's farm in 1928, at the age of 100 years, dying about six months later.
Dr. John Smartt, son of George R. and Ethelia (Randolph) Smartt, of McMinnville, Tenn., was born in 1820. He began the practice of medicine in 1848. He practiced in Tennessee, Alabama and Texas before coming to Arkansas in 1871. He was married in 1848 to Essie C. Pyles, a native of South Carolina. Five of his children are Mrs. Sarah Terry, Athelia, Louis P., and Essie C. He was president of the Peoples Bank, of the Bentonville railroad and vice president of the Bentonville Evaporator and Canning Co. He was the grandfather of Berry Smartt.
Dr. Smartt delighted in telling the following story on himself. He had gone to Osage fishing, near the mill dam. A young lad was also fishing and knew Dr. Smartt, but he didn't know the boy. He asked, what the dam was and the boy replied it was a mill dam. Dr. Smartt said, "What is the difference in a mill dam and dam mill." The boy replied, "The same difference as between a smart Dr. and Dr. Smartt."
Hiram. C. Smith, son of Allison and Louisa (Kates) Smith, was born on Osage Creek in this county July 18, 1831, his parents coming from Tennessee. He served in the war and was in the battles of Wilson Creek, Fayetteville and Prairie Grove.
William Womack, son of Richard and Matilda (Moxley) Womack, was born in Tennessee in 1843, coming to Arkansas when 12 years of age. He married Elizabeth J., Harrel, daughter of Isaac and Clarissa (Asbury) Harrel, his children being Asbury, Mrs. Nettie Davis, William F., Richard I., and Clarissa L. He owned the land southeast of Centerton, where some of his descendants now live.
Nichols S. Jackson was the son of James and Rebecca (Williams) Jackson. James Jackson was born in North Carolina. He emigrated to Tennessee with his father and later came to Benton County about 1830, bringing his father-in-law, Samuel Williams. They settled west of Bentonville and some of the folks, Mrs. E. B. Jackson and Olin, still own part of the land that was homesteaded. James Jackson was the father of Albert, Dawson, Andrew, Mrs. Laura Curtis, Nicholas S., and several others who died at an early age. When he came to Benton County, there were but few buildings where Springfield now stands and their trading post was Van Buren, where they made the trip twice each year, to receive goods that were shipped from Little Rock, by boat. The Jacksons here now are descendants of the early settlers; John Jackson being the oldest and can still relate many of the early happenings.
Col. James McKissick, was a son of Col. Daniel McKissick and Jane (Wilson) McKissick. James was born February 14, 1783. He married Mary Vance Greer, who was born also in North Carolina in 1787. In 1825 they moved to Fayetteville for a few years, then settled at Centerton in 1835, where he died in 1848. He was commissioner to the five tribes, Chickasaws, Choctaw, Cherokee, Seminoles and Creeks. Jane Wilson McKissick, after burying her husband, Col. Daniel Mckissick in Bedford County, Tenn., came to Benton County with her son and lived until 1844. David McKissick was born in 1786 and came to Benton County in 1835 and settled on Spavinaw, south of Hiwasse, with Henry Callis and some of the Dickson families. The graves of David and his son, Capt. Daniel, born in 1817 and died in 1903, together with their wives and slaves, are still to be seen on the old homestead. The McKissicks, Dicksons, McEwens, Woods, Greers, Hendersons, Oldhams, were all intermarried until it was impossible to give the proper relationship.
Judge A. B. Greenwood settled in Bentonville in 1838 and for four years was the only attorney at law here. He was from Georgia.
Ozias D. Maxwell, son of Ebenezer and Martha (Griffin) Maxwell, was born in Marion County, Tenn., 1834, coming to this county in 1850, with his parents. He was married to Mary Ann Woods November 13, 1854; his wife being having been born and reared in this county. They were the parents of Andrew Jackson Maxwell, father of Theron and Rollans Maxwell. A. J. Maxwell was newspaper man having started setting type at the age of 10 years here in Bentonville and worked altogether 66 years on various papers, being one of the founders of the Benton County Herald. The daughters were Jennie Braggins and Lula Naill. Samuel Buchanan Maxwell was born June 11, 1868, and followed newspaper work until 1904 when he entered the Civil Service, retiring in 1935, leaving Manie Lou, Preston and Gladys as his children.
Michael Burkhalter Maxwell and Reverend Andrew J. Maxwell were brothers of O.D. Maxwell, having come to this county in 1850-52.
Sam Maxwell in relating the bank robbery here in 1893, said he was working upstairs in the Democrat office on the north side of the square. On hearing the noise he stuck his head out the window, and yelled "What's going on down there?" The robber standing on the bank steps fired a shot from his rifle, striking near his head and said "Get your D__ head in there," which Sam said he immediately did.
One of the most interesting things I have found in the preparation of this sketch is the scrap book furnished me by Rollans Maxwell, which was kept by Ozias D. Maxwell and A. J. Maxwell. Letters before the war, receipts, obituary notices, and especially one receipt from John H. Moore, Quarter Master, May 5, 1865, at Cassville, Mo, for $18.50, for one Contraband Wagon, bought by Ozias D. Maxwell.
Rev. Wyatt Coffelt, born in Knox County, Ky., February 3, 1812, was a son of Jacob and Sussanna (Wyatt) Coffelt, settled on Buffalo Creek in McDonald County, Mo., in 1850, and moved to Benton County in 1854, near the neighborhood the Coffelts now occupy. His wife's name was Jan Sligar. They were the parents of Dr. Theodore A. Coffelt of McDonald County, Mo., and Robert Lee Coffelt, late of Benton County. R. L. Coffelt was the father and grandfather of the Coffelts now living here. Rev. Wyatt Coffelt had one of the earliest orchards in this county and also the first large nursery.
James Haney, born in Kings County, Ireland, was the son of Thomas and Mary (Madden) Haney. He emigrated to the U.S.A. in 1860, and settled in St. Louis, coming to this county in 1871. He was a brick mason and erected many of the present buildings in Bentonville. He was the father of John, Tom, William W., Charles D., Kate, Ada, James A., and George. Kate Haney was the mother of George Knott, Joe and Elmer. Joe being the only one left here.
Dr. Smartt delighted in telling the following story on himself. He had gone to Osage fishing, near the mill dam. A young lad was also fishing and knew Dr. Smartt, but he didn't know the boy. He asked, what the dam was and the boy replied it was a mill dam. Dr. Smartt said, "What is the difference in a mill dam and dam mill." The boy replied, "The same difference as between a smart Dr. and Dr. Smartt."
Hiram. C. Smith, son of Allison and Louisa (Kates) Smith, was born on Osage Creek in this county July 18, 1831, his parents coming from Tennessee. He served in the war and was in the battles of Wilson Creek, Fayetteville and Prairie Grove.
William Womack, son of Richard and Matilda (Moxley) Womack, was born in Tennessee in 1843, coming to Arkansas when 12 years of age. He married Elizabeth J., Harrel, daughter of Isaac and Clarissa (Asbury) Harrel, his children being Asbury, Mrs. Nettie Davis, William F., Richard I., and Clarissa L. He owned the land southeast of Centerton, where some of his descendants now live.
Nichols S. Jackson was the son of James and Rebecca (Williams) Jackson. James Jackson was born in North Carolina. He emigrated to Tennessee with his father and later came to Benton County about 1830, bringing his father-in-law, Samuel Williams. They settled west of Bentonville and some of the folks, Mrs. E. B. Jackson and Olin, still own part of the land that was homesteaded. James Jackson was the father of Albert, Dawson, Andrew, Mrs. Laura Curtis, Nicholas S., and several others who died at an early age. When he came to Benton County, there were but few buildings where Springfield now stands and their trading post was Van Buren, where they made the trip twice each year, to receive goods that were shipped from Little Rock, by boat. The Jacksons here now are descendants of the early settlers; John Jackson being the oldest and can still relate many of the early happenings.
Col. James McKissick, was a son of Col. Daniel McKissick and Jane (Wilson) McKissick. James was born February 14, 1783. He married Mary Vance Greer, who was born also in North Carolina in 1787. In 1825 they moved to Fayetteville for a few years, then settled at Centerton in 1835, where he died in 1848. He was commissioner to the five tribes, Chickasaws, Choctaw, Cherokee, Seminoles and Creeks. Jane Wilson McKissick, after burying her husband, Col. Daniel Mckissick in Bedford County, Tenn., came to Benton County with her son and lived until 1844. David McKissick was born in 1786 and came to Benton County in 1835 and settled on Spavinaw, south of Hiwasse, with Henry Callis and some of the Dickson families. The graves of David and his son, Capt. Daniel, born in 1817 and died in 1903, together with their wives and slaves, are still to be seen on the old homestead. The McKissicks, Dicksons, McEwens, Woods, Greers, Hendersons, Oldhams, were all intermarried until it was impossible to give the proper relationship.
Judge A. B. Greenwood settled in Bentonville in 1838 and for four years was the only attorney at law here. He was from Georgia.
Ozias D. Maxwell, son of Ebenezer and Martha (Griffin) Maxwell, was born in Marion County, Tenn., 1834, coming to this county in 1850, with his parents. He was married to Mary Ann Woods November 13, 1854; his wife being having been born and reared in this county. They were the parents of Andrew Jackson Maxwell, father of Theron and Rollans Maxwell. A. J. Maxwell was newspaper man having started setting type at the age of 10 years here in Bentonville and worked altogether 66 years on various papers, being one of the founders of the Benton County Herald. The daughters were Jennie Braggins and Lula Naill. Samuel Buchanan Maxwell was born June 11, 1868, and followed newspaper work until 1904 when he entered the Civil Service, retiring in 1935, leaving Manie Lou, Preston and Gladys as his children.
Michael Burkhalter Maxwell and Reverend Andrew J. Maxwell were brothers of O.D. Maxwell, having come to this county in 1850-52.
Sam Maxwell in relating the bank robbery here in 1893, said he was working upstairs in the Democrat office on the north side of the square. On hearing the noise he stuck his head out the window, and yelled "What's going on down there?" The robber standing on the bank steps fired a shot from his rifle, striking near his head and said "Get your D__ head in there," which Sam said he immediately did.
One of the most interesting things I have found in the preparation of this sketch is the scrap book furnished me by Rollans Maxwell, which was kept by Ozias D. Maxwell and A. J. Maxwell. Letters before the war, receipts, obituary notices, and especially one receipt from John H. Moore, Quarter Master, May 5, 1865, at Cassville, Mo, for $18.50, for one Contraband Wagon, bought by Ozias D. Maxwell.
Rev. Wyatt Coffelt, born in Knox County, Ky., February 3, 1812, was a son of Jacob and Sussanna (Wyatt) Coffelt, settled on Buffalo Creek in McDonald County, Mo., in 1850, and moved to Benton County in 1854, near the neighborhood the Coffelts now occupy. His wife's name was Jan Sligar. They were the parents of Dr. Theodore A. Coffelt of McDonald County, Mo., and Robert Lee Coffelt, late of Benton County. R. L. Coffelt was the father and grandfather of the Coffelts now living here. Rev. Wyatt Coffelt had one of the earliest orchards in this county and also the first large nursery.
James Haney, born in Kings County, Ireland, was the son of Thomas and Mary (Madden) Haney. He emigrated to the U.S.A. in 1860, and settled in St. Louis, coming to this county in 1871. He was a brick mason and erected many of the present buildings in Bentonville. He was the father of John, Tom, William W., Charles D., Kate, Ada, James A., and George. Kate Haney was the mother of George Knott, Joe and Elmer. Joe being the only one left here.
This is believed to be a photo of James Haney
Charles W. Rice, Born in Roane County, Tenn., in 1813, was a son of Isaac and Martha Rice, from Tennessee and Kentucky respectively. Charles W. Rice and his first wife, Eliza Haley, had five children. His second wife was Juliet Cobb. The best remembered children are the ones that followed the public life. James A. Rice and Charles W. Rice were lawyers here in Bentonville: James A. was the father of Dick. C. W. was the father of Russell, Jeff, Ethel and Paul. The mother of the above boys was Mattie Reagan. Drs. R. S. and C.A. Rice lived in Rogers. Dr. T. M. lived at Brightwater; Timothy, Willford and Roland remained on the farm. Radus Rice of the Welfare office is a grandson of the original C. W. Rice; and Agnes Harris is a granddaughter, she owning the Wilton farm that Dick Rice made so popular a few years ago by establishing the buildings and scenery as it was during the boyhood of his father. The late Hugh Rice, with the Phelps Dodge Copper Co. of New York was also a grandson. Charles W. Rice was Circuit Clerk of Benton County in 1866-68.
Isaac and Jennie (Hoard) Whayne, natives of Kentucky came here in 1882. They were the parents of Mark, Lyda, Nannie, R. C. (Buck), Mercer and Will.
H. H. and Elizabeth (Brown) Campbell, former Kentuckians, came to Benton County in 1868. One son, Mathew Campbell, lived on White River. K. C. (Kit) was 2 years of age at the time his parents came here from Red Oak, Iowa. Kit was married in 1895 to Elizabeth Blackwell of Colorado. Kit operated a barber shop here for about 56 years and is still going strong. His only daughter, Elizabeth, lives in Joplin, Mo. Another daughter, Bertha, died several years ago.
John Troutt and wife, Elizabeth, came here years before the Civil War and homesteaded land southwest of Bentonville. His sons, John L. and Rufus K. Troutt, reared their families in that neighborhood. John L. was a teacher and also a county examiner for several years. The only members of the family of R.K. Troutt living here are Fred and Esta, wife of Charles B. Bates.
Ezekiel John Alcorn Dickson, born in Rutherford County, Tenn., March 21, 1813, was the son of Ezekiel and Mary (McKissick) Dickson. His wife was Sophia Jane Morrison. He settled in Bentonville in 1835, coming with his Uncle Joseph McKissick.
Isaac and Jennie (Hoard) Whayne, natives of Kentucky came here in 1882. They were the parents of Mark, Lyda, Nannie, R. C. (Buck), Mercer and Will.
H. H. and Elizabeth (Brown) Campbell, former Kentuckians, came to Benton County in 1868. One son, Mathew Campbell, lived on White River. K. C. (Kit) was 2 years of age at the time his parents came here from Red Oak, Iowa. Kit was married in 1895 to Elizabeth Blackwell of Colorado. Kit operated a barber shop here for about 56 years and is still going strong. His only daughter, Elizabeth, lives in Joplin, Mo. Another daughter, Bertha, died several years ago.
John Troutt and wife, Elizabeth, came here years before the Civil War and homesteaded land southwest of Bentonville. His sons, John L. and Rufus K. Troutt, reared their families in that neighborhood. John L. was a teacher and also a county examiner for several years. The only members of the family of R.K. Troutt living here are Fred and Esta, wife of Charles B. Bates.
Ezekiel John Alcorn Dickson, born in Rutherford County, Tenn., March 21, 1813, was the son of Ezekiel and Mary (McKissick) Dickson. His wife was Sophia Jane Morrison. He settled in Bentonville in 1835, coming with his Uncle Joseph McKissick.
Dr. James W. Fergus, born in Miami County, Ohio, in 1852, was the son of Samuel and Malissa (Woodward) Fergus. He was one of the best loved country doctors and he and his wife, Elmira Smith, left a family of five children, Elbert, James, Franklin, Carrie and William.
Hopkins Douglas, coming from Tennessee before the Civil War, settled between Highfill and Osage. His wife was Emily Morrison, having been born in Benton County. Some of the children, best remembered, were Milt, Ella, Marion, Morrison and Marshall. Marion Douglas moved to Bentonville in 1898 and entered the office of Circuit Clerk on his 24th birthday. W. O. Young was the clerk. Later Marion Douglas held nearly all the offices of this county. He is the father of Fred, Hal, Doke, Cecille, and Charles Douglas.
Releford Easley settled in this county in 1867. His children were John, Melissa, Cole, Will, Frank, Wylie, Marion, George, Emma, Mitchell and Flora Richmond. The grandfather, on the mother's side, was Chesley Mitchell, who came to Pea Ridge about 1850 and left a large family, some of the descendants still living there. Melissa Cole was the wife of William Cole, whose parents and grandparents came from Tennessee before the 1830's and lived four miles north of the old battlefield. He was the father of Mrs. E. P. Woods of Route 3, and Vina Allen LaJunta, Colo. Clarence Easley, a merchant here in Bentonville, is a son of John Easley.
Elijah L. Allen, born in Georgia in 1833, was a son of Mathew and Lucinda (Vaughter) Allen, of North Carolina, They settled in this county near Cave Springs in 1852, and built one of the largest water mills of that time. The sister of Elija Allen married Rev. Isom Hall.
Hopkins Douglas, coming from Tennessee before the Civil War, settled between Highfill and Osage. His wife was Emily Morrison, having been born in Benton County. Some of the children, best remembered, were Milt, Ella, Marion, Morrison and Marshall. Marion Douglas moved to Bentonville in 1898 and entered the office of Circuit Clerk on his 24th birthday. W. O. Young was the clerk. Later Marion Douglas held nearly all the offices of this county. He is the father of Fred, Hal, Doke, Cecille, and Charles Douglas.
Releford Easley settled in this county in 1867. His children were John, Melissa, Cole, Will, Frank, Wylie, Marion, George, Emma, Mitchell and Flora Richmond. The grandfather, on the mother's side, was Chesley Mitchell, who came to Pea Ridge about 1850 and left a large family, some of the descendants still living there. Melissa Cole was the wife of William Cole, whose parents and grandparents came from Tennessee before the 1830's and lived four miles north of the old battlefield. He was the father of Mrs. E. P. Woods of Route 3, and Vina Allen LaJunta, Colo. Clarence Easley, a merchant here in Bentonville, is a son of John Easley.
Elijah L. Allen, born in Georgia in 1833, was a son of Mathew and Lucinda (Vaughter) Allen, of North Carolina, They settled in this county near Cave Springs in 1852, and built one of the largest water mills of that time. The sister of Elija Allen married Rev. Isom Hall.
The Allen Mill at what was later Cave Springs. It was built on the north side of the lake in about 1890.
Left to right in the picture, Jones Scoggins, Frank Goodrich, Nate Maxwell, Lige Allen and Henry Gaston
Left to right in the picture, Jones Scoggins, Frank Goodrich, Nate Maxwell, Lige Allen and Henry Gaston
Hezekiah Highfill, born May 2, 1834, in McNair County, Tenn., was a son of James and Martha (Jackson) Highfill. The grandfather Jackson being a relative of Andrew Jackson, who fought in the War of 1812. Hezekiah Highfill was the father of Elisha J. Highfill, his mother was Mariah Mitchell. Dr. E. J. Highfill is one of the best loved and most respected of our old time doctors and has practiced medicine for more than half a century at and near Cave Springs.
L.H McGill, and J.T. McGill his brother, came to Benton County about 1878, from Gilmer, Texas, bringing their mother with them. J. T. taught in the Morgan H. Looney School, afterwards graduating from Vanderbilt University later becoming a professor at Vanderbilt for many years.
L. H. McGill attended the Looney School, then taught school, studying law at night. He boarded in the Floyd home southeast of Bentonville, and also in the Oliver Young home. With the exception of a few years as secretary to Gov. James H. Berry, and a partnership with lawyers in Clarksville and Morrilton, including a partnership with the late Senator James P. Clark, he practiced law in Bentonville, where for a time he was in partnership with the late Felix G. Lindsey, then his son J. T. McGill.
Mr. McGill was married to Met Peel, daughter of Col. Sam W. Peel, and they were the parents of ten children, eight still living. Only two reside here, Mary McGill Davis, a well known musician and teacher and wife of Raymond Davis, and J. T. McGill, who is carrying on the work started by his father 70 years ago. L. H. McGill served several times as special Chancellor and also as a special Justice of the Supreme Court.
Dan Maples, who was born in Carroll, Arkansas, January 17, 1846, moved to Bentonville at an early date. He was a United States Marshall and was killed at Tahlequah, Indian Territory, May 5, 1887. He had made camp across the creek and gone into Tahlequah for supplies and as he was returning by the foot-log, Ned Cristy, an outlaw, shot Dan from the bridge. After Mr. Maples fell he shot part of Cristy's coat off. He was not looking for Cristy at the time. Cristy escaped and was not captured until three years later, when a posse burned the house he was in and shot him while he was trying to escape. Mr. Maples was married to Melitta Jane Campbell and she was the mother of George Maples, former sheriff and collector of Bentonville, who still lives here. George married Emma Browning, and they are the parents of Lillian, Beatrice and Bryan. George's mother married Albert Jackson after the death of Dan Maples.
J. H. Keith was born in Warren County, Ky., in 1854. He moved from Kentucky to Western Kansas in 1882 and then to the Indian Territory and lived two years. He then came to Benton County. He was married to Sallie Harmon, and they were the parents of Noler M., Donnie G., Bonnie, Earl, Troy, Madge W., Loyd H., and Russell.
Capt. George T. Lincoln, born in Liberty, Mo., in 1821, was a son of Thomas Lincoln, whose father was a brother of Abraham Lincoln. Capt. Lincoln married Virginia Pryor, of Kentucky. His second wife was Ellen Sikes. He came to Bentonville in 1884. He was the father of Morton Lincoln.
W. Y. Oakley was born in Bradford County, Tenn.,in 1852. He was married to Martha Scott in 1875. Their children were Ida, Ada, J. Frank, Wm. Carlton, Mary C., Alonzo W., and Madge I. Oakley. None of the children live here now, but were all known by this writer as we were neighbors.
Andrew Russell was born in Benton County May 14, 1861. He was married to Margaret Brooks and their children were Samuel, Grover C., Martha E., Stella, Everett and Elbert, Perry, Bessie V., Olive M. and Vina.
L.H McGill, and J.T. McGill his brother, came to Benton County about 1878, from Gilmer, Texas, bringing their mother with them. J. T. taught in the Morgan H. Looney School, afterwards graduating from Vanderbilt University later becoming a professor at Vanderbilt for many years.
L. H. McGill attended the Looney School, then taught school, studying law at night. He boarded in the Floyd home southeast of Bentonville, and also in the Oliver Young home. With the exception of a few years as secretary to Gov. James H. Berry, and a partnership with lawyers in Clarksville and Morrilton, including a partnership with the late Senator James P. Clark, he practiced law in Bentonville, where for a time he was in partnership with the late Felix G. Lindsey, then his son J. T. McGill.
Mr. McGill was married to Met Peel, daughter of Col. Sam W. Peel, and they were the parents of ten children, eight still living. Only two reside here, Mary McGill Davis, a well known musician and teacher and wife of Raymond Davis, and J. T. McGill, who is carrying on the work started by his father 70 years ago. L. H. McGill served several times as special Chancellor and also as a special Justice of the Supreme Court.
Dan Maples, who was born in Carroll, Arkansas, January 17, 1846, moved to Bentonville at an early date. He was a United States Marshall and was killed at Tahlequah, Indian Territory, May 5, 1887. He had made camp across the creek and gone into Tahlequah for supplies and as he was returning by the foot-log, Ned Cristy, an outlaw, shot Dan from the bridge. After Mr. Maples fell he shot part of Cristy's coat off. He was not looking for Cristy at the time. Cristy escaped and was not captured until three years later, when a posse burned the house he was in and shot him while he was trying to escape. Mr. Maples was married to Melitta Jane Campbell and she was the mother of George Maples, former sheriff and collector of Bentonville, who still lives here. George married Emma Browning, and they are the parents of Lillian, Beatrice and Bryan. George's mother married Albert Jackson after the death of Dan Maples.
J. H. Keith was born in Warren County, Ky., in 1854. He moved from Kentucky to Western Kansas in 1882 and then to the Indian Territory and lived two years. He then came to Benton County. He was married to Sallie Harmon, and they were the parents of Noler M., Donnie G., Bonnie, Earl, Troy, Madge W., Loyd H., and Russell.
Capt. George T. Lincoln, born in Liberty, Mo., in 1821, was a son of Thomas Lincoln, whose father was a brother of Abraham Lincoln. Capt. Lincoln married Virginia Pryor, of Kentucky. His second wife was Ellen Sikes. He came to Bentonville in 1884. He was the father of Morton Lincoln.
W. Y. Oakley was born in Bradford County, Tenn.,in 1852. He was married to Martha Scott in 1875. Their children were Ida, Ada, J. Frank, Wm. Carlton, Mary C., Alonzo W., and Madge I. Oakley. None of the children live here now, but were all known by this writer as we were neighbors.
Andrew Russell was born in Benton County May 14, 1861. He was married to Margaret Brooks and their children were Samuel, Grover C., Martha E., Stella, Everett and Elbert, Perry, Bessie V., Olive M. and Vina.
Andrew Jackson Russell and family
J. B. Whitesides, who was born in Tennessee,, March 13, 1839, was the son of Jacob and June (Smart) Whitesides. Jacob was a Baptist preacher. The children of J. B. and Jane were Mildred J., Sarah L., William J., Samuel J., John H., and Martha E.
J. E. and A. R. Applegate came to Rogers from Lawrence County, Ill., in 1881, and bought a small frame building and started the Applegate Drug Store. The father of the Applegates was T. P. and the mother, Eliza Clark. J. E. Applegate married Martha Ann Buchanan. They were the parents of Walter, Charles, Tim, John, Edgarda, Anna Belle, Harold and Fred. After the boys were large enough to take over the stores Mr. Applegate bought a large farm and at one time had more registered Jersey cattle than any one in the state. He also raised fine Percheron horses. One of his horses weighed than a ton and his farm, at the time, was a show place of Northwest Arkansas.
John W. Foster settled on Pea Ridge in 1842, coming from Bradford County, Tenn. They drove through in ox wagons. His son, David Foster, was born on Pea Ridge in the 1850's, moving first to Rogers and establishing a meat market for two years, then coming to Bentonville, where he, with his son, Chas. Foster, operated a market for years. He married Katherine Jeffers and their children were Charles W., Sylvia and Wincie. Katherine Jeffers was of a family of 8 boys and 8 girls. Seven of the boys were in the Confederate Army
and one in the Federal. Charles W. Foster married Eva Hollowell, whose father was riding to Bentonville with Tom Barr the day the bank was robbed in 1893, and when the robbers overtook them, compelled them to ride into town to allay suspicion, later taking Mr. Hollowell's horse to make their get-a-way.
J. E. and A. R. Applegate came to Rogers from Lawrence County, Ill., in 1881, and bought a small frame building and started the Applegate Drug Store. The father of the Applegates was T. P. and the mother, Eliza Clark. J. E. Applegate married Martha Ann Buchanan. They were the parents of Walter, Charles, Tim, John, Edgarda, Anna Belle, Harold and Fred. After the boys were large enough to take over the stores Mr. Applegate bought a large farm and at one time had more registered Jersey cattle than any one in the state. He also raised fine Percheron horses. One of his horses weighed than a ton and his farm, at the time, was a show place of Northwest Arkansas.
John W. Foster settled on Pea Ridge in 1842, coming from Bradford County, Tenn. They drove through in ox wagons. His son, David Foster, was born on Pea Ridge in the 1850's, moving first to Rogers and establishing a meat market for two years, then coming to Bentonville, where he, with his son, Chas. Foster, operated a market for years. He married Katherine Jeffers and their children were Charles W., Sylvia and Wincie. Katherine Jeffers was of a family of 8 boys and 8 girls. Seven of the boys were in the Confederate Army
and one in the Federal. Charles W. Foster married Eva Hollowell, whose father was riding to Bentonville with Tom Barr the day the bank was robbed in 1893, and when the robbers overtook them, compelled them to ride into town to allay suspicion, later taking Mr. Hollowell's horse to make their get-a-way.
Interior of D. S. Foster & Son Meat Market 1905
In photo L to R: D. S. Foster, Charles Foster, Dot Ford, George Hutchinson, all of Bentonville
In photo L to R: D. S. Foster, Charles Foster, Dot Ford, George Hutchinson, all of Bentonville
John C. Arthur, born in Macon County, Mo., 1840, was the son of Lilburn Q. and Letitia G. (Saunders) Arthur. John C. married Mary E. Dodson in 1866 and came to Bentonville in 1886. He was a member of the firm Lincoln and Arthur. His children were Sallie who still lives here in Bentonville. Johnson, William A., and Perry W.
Goldsmith Chandler Davis, born in Indiana in 1844, was the son of Ben F. and Ruth J. (Chandler) Davis. He came to Bentonville in 1867 and started a nursery and at one time had an orchard of 20,000 trees and 1,000,000 young apple trees from one to four years old. He was a descendant of Oliver Goldsmith. Mr. Davis married Sallie West and their children were Betsey, Trotwood, Benjamin Franklin, Lou Duskey and John Chandler.
Goldsmith Chandler Davis, born in Indiana in 1844, was the son of Ben F. and Ruth J. (Chandler) Davis. He came to Bentonville in 1867 and started a nursery and at one time had an orchard of 20,000 trees and 1,000,000 young apple trees from one to four years old. He was a descendant of Oliver Goldsmith. Mr. Davis married Sallie West and their children were Betsey, Trotwood, Benjamin Franklin, Lou Duskey and John Chandler.
Goldsmith Davis
J. K. Campbell, born in Kentucky in 1852, was the son of Wm. Campbell. J. K. Married Rosa K. Glover. His second wife was Ellen Hall. They were the parents of Ethel, Gracie, Lena Burgin, Mabel, Ruth, Archie and Ray.
G. H. Buxton was born in Missouri Feb. 13, 1855. His second wife was Roxie Williams. Their children were John, Ethel, Sidney L., and Beulah.
A. J. Callis, son of John Henry Callis, who came from Wilson County, Tenn., was married to Ellen Dickson, who was born near the Town of Dickson and was a daughter of Ezejiel Dickson, who settled here in 1831. Mr. Callis served in the Civil War and was what they called an unregenerated rebel, as he said that he never surrendered. The only one of his children living here is Elbert W. Callis and he lives on the old home place that was homesteaded by his grandfather, John Henry Callis, near a big spring that is the beginning of Spavinaw.
Lemeliel Cash was born in North Carolina, in 1831, and married Mary Hileman, who was the daughter of Jacob Hileman. The children of Lemeliel and Mary were Sarah Harris, Felina Blevins, Emma Ford, Bryant and Keener.
W. T. (Taylor) Cook was born in Monroe County, Tenn., in 1847. He married L. A. Middleton, who was born in Benton County. Their children were Robert O., our Assessor, Oscar Earl, and John E., both deceased. Mr. Cook served in the Federal Army, while his father and one of his brothers served in the Confederate Army.
H. L. Cross, born at Cameron, Mo., in 1852, was a son of William M. Cross, who was born in New York. The best remembered of the children are Don L. Cross, who resides here, and Victor I. Cross; also Zillah Cross Peel, wife of Frank Peel. Mr. Cross was a newspaper man, and he and his son, Don L., operated the Bentonville Weekly and Daily Sun . He formerly operated the Cameron Daily and Weekly Sun. He started the A.O.U.W. Guide and was Grand Recorder for several years for the state. He was married to Fannie Johnson, who was born in Ohio.
Culver Crowder was born in North Carolina in 1865. He married Ida Rife, who was the mother of James, John, Stella and Robert. In 1896 he married Laura Grimsley, sister of James and Bode Grimsley. Their children were Joe, Leo, and Frank.
Peter Van Winkle, a New Yorker, was born there in 1814. He emigrated to Washington County in 1839, and to Benton County in 1850, having settled near War Eagle. He established a saw and plane mill there and at one time furnished most of the lumber for all the old buildings in the county. In 1879 he built a large hotel in Fayetteville, which was the largest hotel at that time. His home in Van Winkle Hollow, was burned, but later rebuilt and can still be seen there. Most of the work in the timber, of which he owned several hundred acres, was done by slave labor. His slaves stayed on and worked for him as long as he lived after they were freed. Aaron Van Winkle, a former slave, is well remembered, as he lived here for years.
Daniel Lanning Bruner, son of Elias and Matilda (Williams) Bruner, was born in Indiana in 1841. He located in Benton County, near Robinson, after the war and was married to Penelope Littrall. He is the father of Walter Lee Bruner who is still living near Robinson.
Hon. David Chandler was born in Burke County, N.C., in 1804, coming to Arkansas in 1846 and settling at Bloomfield. He was elected surveyor and in 1850 was elected to the state legislature and again in 1872, being in the Brooks-Baxter war. He was first married to Eliza Fagan. daughter of John Fagan. His second wife was Mrs. M. A. Pierson.
Ollie I. Anderson, born in Alabama in 1831, son of Col. Hugh A. and Mary Anderson, who were born in Kentucky. Col. Hugh A. Anderson settled south of Vaughn in 1836 and reared a family of eight children. Ollie I. Anderson remained on the old home place and was married in 1856 to Mary Kelleam. They were the parents of nine children: William A. Anderson, being the oldest, remained on the old homestead. Mrs. Sid Jackson is a daughter of Ollie I. and sister to William A. Anderson. William was the father of Sam, Allen, Jack and Lt. Col. Paul L. Anderson, Paul being the only one of the boys living.
Thomas K. Blake, son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Owen) Blake, was born in Roane County, Tenn., in 1813. In 1836, Thomas K. married Clara Chitty, who was born in North Carolina. Two of their seven children are remembered by the older people of this vicinity, Larkin L. and Thomas T, Thomas T. was later sheriff of Benton County, and reared a large family. Flora, Eula and Bob are still living here. The wife of Will Rogers, Betty Blake, was a niece of T. T. Blake, and a cousin of the Blake girls here.
Adam C. Gann, born in Virginia, 1802, married Miss Lemons. They had nine boys and six girls. Adam C., the second, was the father of W. T. Gann. They came to Benton County in 1849. Adam. C. married Sarah Jo Bryson and were the parents of six boys and three girls. At one time four of the boys and two of the girls lived on Gann's Ridge, near Garfield. W. T. Gann married Dora DeForest and they were the parents of three children. He taught school for years and edited the Decatur Democrat for one year. He is now delinquent tax collector for the county. His present wife is the former Mrs. Lucy Williams.
Among the early colored folks coming here with their owners were Belle Scrimpshire, Bob and Jane Jackson, Milt and Clarissa Sanford, Milt beng the step-father of Ann Gilbert, she belonging to the Womack family, and was born the 7th of Dec. 1859; also Will Troutt, Betty Yates, Kim and Sarah Lambeth, Monroe Derrick, Mary Elliott, Bob and Lucy Perry, Charley Claypool, Tabitha Banks, Sarah Luke and husband, Elizabeth Bennett and Henry Harrell Lennox, Sammy Shelton, Hariett Troutt, Aaron and Jane Van Winkle, Amanda Maxwell, Ed Dickerson and some by the name of Crowder. These colored people were treated as servants here and after the war they practically all remained with their former masters. Ann Gilbert is the only one left to tell the story, but at 90 she has a clear mind and remembers things that happened when she was moved from between Centerton and Bentonville, to Frog Bayou, to try to save some of the family belongings . They were near the Old Wire Road and the soldiers found them and took all the stock but one jack and an old cow. The women folks made a crop with jack, and after storing the corn in the 'loft,' the soldiers found it and took it.
The census of 1860 gave the whites 8,905, colored 385, Indians, 16.
G. H. Buxton was born in Missouri Feb. 13, 1855. His second wife was Roxie Williams. Their children were John, Ethel, Sidney L., and Beulah.
A. J. Callis, son of John Henry Callis, who came from Wilson County, Tenn., was married to Ellen Dickson, who was born near the Town of Dickson and was a daughter of Ezejiel Dickson, who settled here in 1831. Mr. Callis served in the Civil War and was what they called an unregenerated rebel, as he said that he never surrendered. The only one of his children living here is Elbert W. Callis and he lives on the old home place that was homesteaded by his grandfather, John Henry Callis, near a big spring that is the beginning of Spavinaw.
Lemeliel Cash was born in North Carolina, in 1831, and married Mary Hileman, who was the daughter of Jacob Hileman. The children of Lemeliel and Mary were Sarah Harris, Felina Blevins, Emma Ford, Bryant and Keener.
W. T. (Taylor) Cook was born in Monroe County, Tenn., in 1847. He married L. A. Middleton, who was born in Benton County. Their children were Robert O., our Assessor, Oscar Earl, and John E., both deceased. Mr. Cook served in the Federal Army, while his father and one of his brothers served in the Confederate Army.
H. L. Cross, born at Cameron, Mo., in 1852, was a son of William M. Cross, who was born in New York. The best remembered of the children are Don L. Cross, who resides here, and Victor I. Cross; also Zillah Cross Peel, wife of Frank Peel. Mr. Cross was a newspaper man, and he and his son, Don L., operated the Bentonville Weekly and Daily Sun . He formerly operated the Cameron Daily and Weekly Sun. He started the A.O.U.W. Guide and was Grand Recorder for several years for the state. He was married to Fannie Johnson, who was born in Ohio.
Culver Crowder was born in North Carolina in 1865. He married Ida Rife, who was the mother of James, John, Stella and Robert. In 1896 he married Laura Grimsley, sister of James and Bode Grimsley. Their children were Joe, Leo, and Frank.
Peter Van Winkle, a New Yorker, was born there in 1814. He emigrated to Washington County in 1839, and to Benton County in 1850, having settled near War Eagle. He established a saw and plane mill there and at one time furnished most of the lumber for all the old buildings in the county. In 1879 he built a large hotel in Fayetteville, which was the largest hotel at that time. His home in Van Winkle Hollow, was burned, but later rebuilt and can still be seen there. Most of the work in the timber, of which he owned several hundred acres, was done by slave labor. His slaves stayed on and worked for him as long as he lived after they were freed. Aaron Van Winkle, a former slave, is well remembered, as he lived here for years.
Daniel Lanning Bruner, son of Elias and Matilda (Williams) Bruner, was born in Indiana in 1841. He located in Benton County, near Robinson, after the war and was married to Penelope Littrall. He is the father of Walter Lee Bruner who is still living near Robinson.
Hon. David Chandler was born in Burke County, N.C., in 1804, coming to Arkansas in 1846 and settling at Bloomfield. He was elected surveyor and in 1850 was elected to the state legislature and again in 1872, being in the Brooks-Baxter war. He was first married to Eliza Fagan. daughter of John Fagan. His second wife was Mrs. M. A. Pierson.
Ollie I. Anderson, born in Alabama in 1831, son of Col. Hugh A. and Mary Anderson, who were born in Kentucky. Col. Hugh A. Anderson settled south of Vaughn in 1836 and reared a family of eight children. Ollie I. Anderson remained on the old home place and was married in 1856 to Mary Kelleam. They were the parents of nine children: William A. Anderson, being the oldest, remained on the old homestead. Mrs. Sid Jackson is a daughter of Ollie I. and sister to William A. Anderson. William was the father of Sam, Allen, Jack and Lt. Col. Paul L. Anderson, Paul being the only one of the boys living.
Thomas K. Blake, son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Owen) Blake, was born in Roane County, Tenn., in 1813. In 1836, Thomas K. married Clara Chitty, who was born in North Carolina. Two of their seven children are remembered by the older people of this vicinity, Larkin L. and Thomas T, Thomas T. was later sheriff of Benton County, and reared a large family. Flora, Eula and Bob are still living here. The wife of Will Rogers, Betty Blake, was a niece of T. T. Blake, and a cousin of the Blake girls here.
Adam C. Gann, born in Virginia, 1802, married Miss Lemons. They had nine boys and six girls. Adam C., the second, was the father of W. T. Gann. They came to Benton County in 1849. Adam. C. married Sarah Jo Bryson and were the parents of six boys and three girls. At one time four of the boys and two of the girls lived on Gann's Ridge, near Garfield. W. T. Gann married Dora DeForest and they were the parents of three children. He taught school for years and edited the Decatur Democrat for one year. He is now delinquent tax collector for the county. His present wife is the former Mrs. Lucy Williams.
Among the early colored folks coming here with their owners were Belle Scrimpshire, Bob and Jane Jackson, Milt and Clarissa Sanford, Milt beng the step-father of Ann Gilbert, she belonging to the Womack family, and was born the 7th of Dec. 1859; also Will Troutt, Betty Yates, Kim and Sarah Lambeth, Monroe Derrick, Mary Elliott, Bob and Lucy Perry, Charley Claypool, Tabitha Banks, Sarah Luke and husband, Elizabeth Bennett and Henry Harrell Lennox, Sammy Shelton, Hariett Troutt, Aaron and Jane Van Winkle, Amanda Maxwell, Ed Dickerson and some by the name of Crowder. These colored people were treated as servants here and after the war they practically all remained with their former masters. Ann Gilbert is the only one left to tell the story, but at 90 she has a clear mind and remembers things that happened when she was moved from between Centerton and Bentonville, to Frog Bayou, to try to save some of the family belongings . They were near the Old Wire Road and the soldiers found them and took all the stock but one jack and an old cow. The women folks made a crop with jack, and after storing the corn in the 'loft,' the soldiers found it and took it.
The census of 1860 gave the whites 8,905, colored 385, Indians, 16.