Cannon County TN
Biography of Lewis R. Pumphrey
Lewis R. Pumphrey, born in 1839 in Tennessee, became a prominent general merchant and cotton dealer in Lead Hill, Arkansas. His family were early settlers in Missouri and Arkansas, with strong agricultural roots. After limited education, he engaged in farming before marrying Jane Magness in 1860, with whom he had one daughter. His career included founding a successful mercantile firm, Pumphrey Cantrell, and he actively participated in farming and stockraising. A conservative in politics, he valued hard work and determination, establishing himself as a respected figure in the community.
Biography of B. M. Estes
B. M. Estes, born on September 23, 1844, in Woodbury, Tennessee, is a prominent figure in general merchandise commerce, being a partner in Estes Cawdrey since 1893 in Eros, Arkansas. He served as a lieutenant in the Confederate Army from 1861 to 1865, later marrying Martha Jackson in 1866. He engaged in various businesses, including farming and nurseries, and became a respected community member involved in education and church activities. Estes is the father of eight children and has successfully accumulated land and means throughout his life.
Biography of Dr. C. B. Elkins
Dr. C. B. Elkins, born in 1862 in Tennessee, has been a prominent figure in medicine since moving to Ozark, Missouri, in 1888. After studying under Dr. I. N. Rogers and graduating from Missouri Medical College in 1885, he practiced in various locations before partnering with Dr. John H. Fulbright in Ozark. Active in medical associations and fraternal organizations, Elkins married Alice Flag, with whom he had four children. Following her death in 1882, he continued to contribute to both his profession and community.
Biography of Nathaniel Estes
Nathaniel Estes, born on November 8, 1847, in Cannon County, Tennessee, was a significant figure in Marion County, Arkansas, particularly in farming and mining. He moved to Arkansas as a child and, during the Civil War, served in Company A of Col. Snabel’s regiment. Post-war, he pursued carpentry, contributing to local architecture, before becoming a successful mining operator, owning several valuable properties, including the Big Buffalo mine. He married Lydia Cantrell in 1868, with whom he had eight children, and they prioritized education for their family.
Biography of W. Q. Seawel
W. Q. Seawel, born January 3, 1844, in Tennessee, is a seasoned merchant based in Yellville, Arkansas, since 1869. After serving in the Confederate Army and participating in key battles, he transitioned to commerce, establishing a successful business and accumulating significant property. A Democrat and a Mason, Seawel also engages in mining and real estate. He married twice, first to a Methodist Episcopal Church member, with whom he had four children, and later to Frances Prudden, with whom he has a daughter, Mabel.
Biography of Richard S. Holt
Richard S. Holt, born in 1832 in Cannon County, Tennessee, was a prominent citizen of Lead Hill, Arkansas. He came from a farming family that moved to Arkansas in 1849. Holt had limited formal education but was known for his intelligence and common sense. He served as a second lieutenant and later captain in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. Following the war, he married Ellen Harris and built a successful life as a merchant and farmer, owning 500 acres and earning respect in his community.
Biography of B. B. Melton
B. B. Melton, a prominent citizen of Christian County since 1851, was born on August 12, 1820, in Cannon County, Tennessee. His parents, Jacob and Lucy Melton, were pioneers from North Carolina. Over his lifetime, Melton has been actively involved in farming and local politics, once serving as county treasurer. He and his wife, M. C. Elkins, have eleven children, with many residing nearby. Melton remains in good health at seventy-five, dedicating himself to community affairs and the Christian Church.
Biography of G. W. Nokes
G. W. Nokes, born in 1845 in Cannon County, Tennessee, is a respected merchant in Nixa, Missouri. The son of Nelson and Flora A. Nokes, he grew up on a farm and received his education primarily at home. Nokes served in the Civil War and transitioned to farming after the conflict. In 1871, he married Annis I. Keltner and later entered the merchandising business in 1888. Known for his integrity and business acumen, he has held public office and is an active member of the Christian Church.
Biography of James Estes
James Estes, born July 10, 1839, in Cannon County, Tennessee, became a prominent farmer in Marion County, Arkansas. He served in the Civil War from 1861 to 1865 and participated in several notable battles. After the war, he married Mira M. Moore and had ten children. Estes was an active Democrat, holding several county offices, including deputy county clerk. He was also a member of the A.F. & A.M. and attended the Christian Church, illustrating his commitment to community and civic duty.
Biographical Sketch of Hon. John M. James
Hon. John M. James, born in 1816 in Cannon County, Tennessee, descended from a family with deep roots in the American South. After marrying Elizabeth LeMay in 1837 and relocating to Arkansas, he endured personal loss before marrying twice more, ultimately having eight children with M. H. Johnson. In 1852, he embarked on a challenging journey to California, settling in Los Angeles County. A skilled millwright and carpenter, he later entered politics, serving in the Legislature from 1867 to 1868, and now resides quietly near San Bernardino.