R. Lindley was born in Polk County, Missouri in the year 1835. He migrated to Hopkins County with his father Jahu Lindley in 1849 and located on South Sulphur Creek where he was living when he died. Jahu Lindley had a large family but there are only two of this family living at this time: the subject of this biographical sketch and R. J. Lindley, who lives in Decatur, Wise County, at this time. R. Lindley was raised in Hopkins County.
At the age of 23 years he married Miss Effie Sayle of Commerce, Hunt County, a lady of excellent birth and splendid ancestry. By this union 7 children were born to them, two of these are dead. Mr. Lindley has given two of his sons professions and they are located in business and are doing well, one son Jahu lives in the county and is a prosperous well to do farmer and stock raiser, a heavy tax payer and a splendid citizen, reliable, just, honest, in fact he is a superb gentle-man any where he is met. Mr. Lindley began life with no capital save energy and a determination. to succeed, he has made life a success and today is considered one of the heaviest tax payers of Hopkins County.
He has been liberal with his children, assisting them in many ways. He has large stock interests in the county, and spends his time in looking after and watching over his affairs. He advocates schools and supports them liberally. He is an honest man in all his dealings and is looked upon as a first rate businessman.