Henderson County TN

Slave Narrative of Henry F. Pyles

Henry F. Pyles, born in 1856 in Tennessee, recalls his experiences growing up as a slave and the cultural practices surrounding conjure. After the Civil War, Pyles recounts humorous attempts to win over a girl using a conjured hoodoo hand but ends up in a comical mishap. He reflects on life on the plantation, including the absence of religious teachings and the impact of the war. After emancipation, Pyles moved to Indian Territory, where he helped build Haskell and raised a family, emphasizing the transition from slavery to freedom.

Biography of Robert Wray Brooks

Robert Wray Brooks, born on May 1, 1860, in Lexington, Tennessee, has spent 27 years in the wholesale paper trade, founding the Brooks Paper Company in St. Louis, where he serves as president. His early career included journalism and paper business roles in Nashville and Memphis. A key innovator, he pioneered the use of poplar and cottonwood in paper manufacturing. Brooks is also involved in various civic and religious organizations and is recognized for his military service and commitment to the Democratic Party. He married Pauline King, and they have six children.

Biography of John Bailey Heffley

John Bailey Heffley, born in 1829 in Tennessee, became a successful farmer and stock raiser after moving to Boone County, Arkansas, in 1850. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised by relatives and had limited formal education. He married Mary Jane Bird in the mid-1850s, and together they had nine children. Heffley later married Martha J. Davis, with whom he had five more children. A veteran of both Confederate and Union forces, he contributed significantly to his community and was recognized as a respected member of the local Christian Church.

Biography of Hon. Samuel Leslie

Hon. Samuel Leslie, born on October 25, 1809, in Barren County, Kentucky, epitomizes the spirit of early Arkansas pioneers. Moving to Arkansas in 1838, he overcame the hardships of pioneer life to cultivate a successful farm where the town of Leslie now stands. A dedicated family man, he and his wife Ruth had ten children. Leslie served multiple terms in the State Legislature and held various military ranks during the Civil War. He remains a respected figure in Searcy County, valued for his integrity and contributions to the community.

Biography of Elias A. Richardson

Elias A. Richardson, born in 1851 in Henderson County, Tennessee, was a prominent figure in Stone County, Arkansas. He began his agricultural career at eighteen and eventually owned a productive 360-acre farm. Married three times, he had numerous children and was involved in local governance, serving as bailiff and deputy sheriff. A devoted Democrat and member of the Missionary Baptist Church, he contributed significantly to his community and maintained active participation in local affairs throughout his life.

Biography of Harrison Attaway

Harrison Attaway, born on June 14, 1848, in Henderson County, Tennessee, moved to Texas with his father in 1855. He married Amanda Able the same year, and they had sixteen children, with thirteen surviving. A farmer and former merchant, Attaway emphasized education and upheld values of sobriety and morality within his family. Both he and his wife are active members of the Baptist church, and he is a Prohibitionist and Mason. He has contributed positively to his community in Hopkins County.

Biography of Neil Baxter Gardner

Neil Baxter Gardner, born on October 12, 1875, in Tennessee, has served as Superintendent of the Oklahoma State Home for Orphans in Pryor since 1915, appointed by Governor R. L. Williams and later reappointed by Governor Robertson. He has an extensive career spanning law, mercantile, and agriculture, including roles in the Constitutional Convention for statehood and as steward of the Western Oklahoma Hospital. Gardner is actively involved in his community, supports the Democratic Party, and is a member of the Methodist Church, alongside his wife, who serves as head matron of the institution.