THOMAS W. FANCHER, a prominent farmer of Carroll County, Arkansas, was born in Overton County, Tennessee, on January 24, 1833. He is a son of James and Elizabeth (Carlock) Fancher, natives of North Carolina and Tennessee, respectively.
When twelve years of age James Fancher removed from his native State to Tennessee. After his marriage in the latter State he located on a farm and resided there until 1838, when he came to Carroll County, Arkansas Locating on a farm, he spent the remainder of his life here, and died on June 8, 1866. His widow is still living (1888). James Fancher served as a private in the War of 1812. In 1842 he represented Carroll County in the Arkansas Legislature.
Thomas W. Fancher grew to manhood on his father’s farm, and on July 9, 1857, was married to Elizabeth B. Sneed, a daughter of Charles Sneed. She was born and reared in the neighborhood of her present home. After his marriage Mr. Fancher located on a part of his present farm. The place now contains 500 acres, of which 230 acres are under cultivation and finely improved. Mr. and Mrs. Fancher have a family of ten children, viz.: James, Wilburn H., Martha J. (a widow, who resides with her parents), Mary D. (one of the county teachers), Polk, Charles R., Wilkins H., Bessie May, Joseph J. and Jesse. Both Mr. and Mrs. Fancher are earnest Christians. She is a member of the Methodist Church, and he of the Cumberland Presbyterian.
In 1862 Mr. Fancher enlisted in the Confederate Army, and was assigned to the Fourth Arkansas Infantry. Later he was placed in Herrell’s battalion, and served until hostilities ceased, acting part of the time as first lieutenant. Among other engagements he participated in the battles of Prairie Grove, Poison Springs and Mark’s Mills. His regiment was disbanded in Texas, after which he returned home, arriving in June, 1865. Mr. Fancher is a charter member of Osage Masonic Lodge, and is a Master Mason.