BIOGRAPHIES Updated 5/11/98
Please check your local libraries and see if you can find old county
biographies with MILTON/MELTON's and donate them to this page. You
will be helping a fellow M/M researchers.
ARKANSAS
CLAY CO.
Samuel W. McDonald, a progressive farmer and stock raiser, and on who has kept thoroughly apace with the times, was born in Randolph County, Alabama, in December, 1844, being the son of Sebbon McDonald, who was born and reared in Georgia, but who was married in Alabama to Miss Rhoda Blackston, a native of the last mentioned State. Mr. McDonald served in one of the old Indian wars. He was a farmer, and followed this occupation in Alabama until his death, which occurred about 1864. Samuel W. McDonald attained his growth in Alabama, remained with his father until grown, and in 1862 enlisted in Confederate Army, Seventeenth Alabama Infantry, serving until the final surrender of the Confederacy. He participated in the fight near Dalton, and was stationed nearly all the time at Mobile. He surrendered in 1865, and after being paroled returned to Alabama, where he engaged farming in Randolph County. He moved to Arkansas in 1876, located in Clay County, remained there two years, and then moved to Boone County, Arkansas, whence after a residence of two years he returned to Clay County, and settled on his present farm in 1881. He has 120 acres of land, with about seventy-five fenced, and some forty under cultivation. Mr. McDonald has been married twice: first, in Clay County, in 1874, to Miss Elizabeth Sexton, a native of Illinois, who was reared in Arkansas. She died in 1885, and was the mother of four children who are named as follows: William B., Riley S., Samuel W. and Ollie B. Mr. McDonald took for his second wife Mrs. Adaline MELTON, in September, 1886, and the results of this union are two children: John E. and Reuben H. Mrs. McDonald is a native of Clay County, Arkansas, where she grew to womanhood. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. McDonald is a member of the Baptist Church.
SOURCE: Southern Historical Press; The Goodspeed Biographical
& Historical Memoirs of Northeastern Arkansas by Rev. Silas E. Lucas,
Jr. 1889.
DONATED BY: Howard Lehman
FROM: M/M POT V.10 pg. 47.
CLAY CO.
Only two men have been legally executed in Clay County for the crime of murder; one of these being Bent Taylor, hanged for the Riley Black and the other Lafayette MELTON....
SOURCE: IBID.
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COLUMBIA CO.
Page 505
Mary C. Garrard, a daughter of Riley and Sarah (Hollingsworth) Moody,
natives of Georgia, who came to this State in 1845, entering land in Columbia
county, which the father tilled until his death in 1889. By his wife,
who now resides in Nevada County, he became the father of eleven children,
eight being still alive: Dora A. (widow of A.F. Murphy, of Claiborne
Parish, Louisiana), Asbury (of Nevada County), Benjamin F. (of Ouachita
County), Melinda J.(wife of R.J. Henry), Sarah, Joseph (in Colorado), Agnes
(wife of Stephen Wright, Nevada County), and A.C. (of Texas). The
mother of these children is now nearly ninety years of age, but is yet
quite strong and active, and gives promise of living a number of years
to come. Mrs. Rudd was born in Alabama in 1835, and is the mother
of two children: Lula May and Eunice. Both Mr. and Mrs. Rudd are
members of the Christian Church, and he belongs to A.F. & A.M., Columbia
Lodge No. 82, and is at the present time worthy master of his lodge.
He takes an active interest in educational matters, and is also a warm
friend to the cause of Christianity. His father and mother were born
in North Carolina and Virginia, respectively, and upon his arrival in this
State the former entered land in what was then Lafayette but is now Columbia
County, and made his home on this land until his death, which occurred
in 1855, his widow's death occurring in 1868, both being members of the
Baptist Church. Their children are as follows: Pleasant G. (who died
in Columbia County, Arkansas), Caroline (wife of ROBERT MELTON, Waldo ,
Arkansas), James P. (the subject of this biography), Susanna (wife of C.L.
Lane, of Pope County), Sarah (wife of E.T. McDaniel, of Nevada County,
Judith (wife of A.J. Hudman, of Columbia County), A.A., and C.R. (of this
county), and two that died unnamed.
Page 456.
As has been said, the most of the [Columbia Co.] settlers came in the
fifties, [1850's]. Many, however, came in before the fifties, who delayed
entry until after. Among the best known early families were A. Godbolt,
M.G. Kelso, Thomas Watts, the Murphys, the Moores, S. Lindsay, J. Flower,
T. Carlock, J. Bell, M. Trammell, the Clarks, Nations, Edwards, Ferguson,
Loftins, Blands, Lewis, Pipkins, Leaks, Hobsons, Ingram, P. Farrar, Capt.
Jack, Dr. Matthews, Chipman, Dudney, Parker, Bennett, Frazier, MELTONS,
Gen. Turner, Dr. Snell, Hardy, Squire Jones, Wells, Shannon, Rinehart,
Brasier, Paschal, Brister, Jones, Pope, Gibson, Tyler, Thomas, Garrett,
Wilson, Dixon, and others.
Page 462
Magnolia Township
Petit Juror: ROBERT M. MILTON.
SOURCE: The Goodspeed Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Southern
Arkansas Volume.
DONATED BY: Howard Lehman.
FROM: M/M POT V.12 pg. 33.
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FAULKNER CO.
George Green Howard, besides being occupied in agricultural pursuits, has for some time served as minister of the Gospel throughout this locality, being the means of doing much good. He was born in Obion County, West Tennessee, on the 24th of November, 1844, his father, Ellison S. Howard, a Virginian by birth, born in 1815, having died in 1879 at Williamson County, Illinois, where he had resided since 1864. He was a farmer by occupation, and was of English descent. His wife Agnes (Hawkins) Howard, is a native of Gibson County, Tennessee, and was born in 1820; at the present time she is a resident of Conway County , Arkansas, and is the mother of nine children, four of whom are living; two reside in Illinois, and one in Conway County, Arkansas. The subject of this sketch, a prominent resident of Faulkner County, received his education in West Tennessee, and in 1866 married Miss Polly Jane Gray, originally from Tennessee, where she was born in 1847. Six children have blessed this union: Mary M. (wife of George A. MELTON), William E., Cyrus G., Maggie M., George A. and Ernest J. Mr. Howard emigrated to Williamson County, Illinois, in 1872, and there remained until 1879, removing then to his present home, where he owns a nice farm of eighty acres, about thirty-five acres being under high state of cultivation. He is the owner of a cotton-gin which he purchased in 1885, and has recently erected a saw-mill with a capacity for cutting 3,000 feet of lumber per day. Mr. Howard takes great interest in the public affairs of his county, and politically is a staunch Democrat, having cast his first vote for Seymour. He has held the office of justice of the peace of Wilson Township for over six years, and is also one ot the directors of the school district. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. In 1885 Mr. Howard commenced to preach according to doctrines of the Missionary Baptist Church, and this has since continued. Himself and wife are devoted in which they reside.
SOURCE: The Goodspeed Biographical & Historical Memoirs of Central
Arkansas by Rev. Silas E. Lucas, Jr. 1889
DONATED BY: Howard Lehman.
FROM: M/M POT V.10 pg.28.
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FRANKLIN CO.
WILLIAM C. MILTON, farmer and stock raiser, was born in Lauderdale County, Alabama, Dec 14, 1826, and is a son of Elisha and Nancy (Morphis) Milton, natives of North Carolina. In 1836 the family moved to Arkansas and located in Franklin Co., where the father entered land and improved the farm upon which our subject now lives. Here a family of six sons and one daughter was reared. Of these, four sons and the daughter are now living. One of the sons is now a resident of Texas. All six brothers joined the Confederate army, five enlisting from Franklin Co., and two met their deaths while in service. William C. grew to manhood upon the home farm, and lived with his father until the death of the latter. In 1853 he married Eliza, daughter of D.L. Bourland, now deceased, but formerly of Tennessee. Mrs. Milton was born in Tennessee and is the mother of six children: Wallace (in business at Charleston, Ark., married Elizabeth Richardson in 1881, the daughter of E. Richardson, deceased), Carroll (in Fort Jeffers, deceased, now resides in Mulberry), Walker, Dennie (married R.L. Jeffers in 1885 and Minnie. In 1862 Mr. Milton enlisted in the Confederate army, and served in Col. Thompson's regiment until the close of the war. He fought at Fayetteville and Fort Smith, and several skirmishes. He was disbanded in Texas, whither his family had gone during the war. In September 1865, he returned to Franklin County and resumed his farming. He now owns eighty acres of good land under cultivation, and has in all 200 acres. His barns and out-buildings are well constructed, and he lives in a good one-story house. Mr. Milton is a Master Mason of the Ozark Lodge, and his wife is a Presbyterian.
Charleston Township
With the beginning of the present decade, and the completion of the St. Louis & San Francisco Railway to Fort Smith, there has been a backward move in Charleston business that nothing less than a railway outlet can materially check. The site for a town is beautiful, and the broad prairies surrounding it only seem to need a railway to develop them. The leading general merchants are Falconer & Armistead, D.Y. Berry, L. Newton, V.V. Beavers and W.A. MILTON; W.P. Richardson and F.D. Proctor are grocers; drugs are handled by A.P. Richardson and D. L. Winters; Dr. W.L. Kelleam has a flour-mill and gin; R.S. Bridgman has a hardware; furniture is sold by J.D. Bolling.....
SOURCE: Northwestern Arkansas Volume, p. 1261, 1262 &654
(1880)
DONATED BY: Howard Lehman.
FROM: M/M POT V. 11 pg. 6.
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GARLAND CO.
The following is a list of the names of the several county officers, together with dates of term of service annexed, from its organization to the present (fall of 1889):
Assessors: J.H. Baushousen, 1873-7: C.J. Glenn, 1874-78; J.A. Muse, 1878-82; DeSoto Samuels, 1882-86; R.A. MILTON, 1886-88; Sidney Hart elected in 1888.
SOURCE: Central Arkansas Volume. 1889.
DONATED BY: Howard Lehman.
FROM: M/M POT V.11 pg. 69.
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JACKSON CO.
The settlement of the territory now composing Jackson County began some time prior to 1830, the date of its organization, but by whom or just when the first settlement was made can not be definitely stated. The following named persons who composed the first grand jury of the county were, as a matter of course, prominet pioneers here: Nicholas Copeland, Dudley Glass, Jesse Gray, Jacob Haggerton, Elijah Bartley, Holloway Stokes, John Teague, John Flannery, Jacob Flannery, WILLIAM MELTON, John James, Martin Copeland, Martin Bridgeman, and Redding Stokes. Some of theses, perhaps lived in that part of the county since cut off in the formation of Woodruff County.
SOURCE: Northeastern Arkansas Volume.
DONATED BY: Howard Lehman.
FROM: M/M POT V. 11 pg. 69.
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LONOKE CO.
In nearly all settlements west of the Mississippi the Methodist and Baptist denominations were the pioneer Christian workers, but in the district now embraced in Lonoke County they were accompanied by the Presbyterians. The earliest settlers of Old Austin and vicinity included a colony of Baptists from the Carolinas, who organized a church there in a very early day, perhaps the first one in the county. Rev. John Carroll was one of the first Baptist ministers here. The population being small but few churches were organized prior to the Civil War; with the increase of population, however, denominational organizations have increased until, according to the minutes of the Caroline Baptist Association, held at New Hope Church, in October, 1888, this denomination had the following named churches pastors and membership in Lonoke County....Other churches belonging to the association have since been organized, one at England and one at Richwoods, both by Elder O.U. Owens, and one near Cabot by Elder J.G. MELTON.
SOURCE: Central Arkansas Volume, 1889.
DONATED BY: Howard Lehman.
FROM: M/M POT V. 11 pg. 69.
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MADISON CO.
Pg. 422.
In the fall of 1829 William King, Charles Burney, Turner Hamblet, Thomas
Rogers, William Adair, Lemuel Rogers and Benjamin F. King, of Alabama,
came in a colony to the valley. They found here one settler, Leonard
Koker, who had come the preceding year and cleared off three acres.
He was in charge of a large drove of cattle owned by planters in the Arkansas
River Valley. He sold his improvements to Turner Hamblet, the son-in-law
of William King. The latter settled near the old camp ground:
William Adair, where Mr. McCracken now lives. The first white child
born in the valley was William Henderson Burney, son of Charles and Mary
(King) Burney. In addition to those already named there were living
in the valley in 1832 one MELTON, on the confines of civilization down
river....
Pg. 434.
John MILTON, northwest, southeast, Section 19.
SOURCE: Northwestern Arkansas Volume. (1889)
DONATED BY: Howard Lehman.
FROM: M/M POT V. 12 pg 9.
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SEBASTIAN CO.
Henry Clay Earnest, farmer, miller and postmaster, at Milltown, Arkansas, is a son of David and Jennie (Smith) Earnest, the former of whom was born in Franklin County, Virginia in 1781. His wife was born in North Carolina in 1785. They were married about 1802, and located in Ashe County, but in 1835 moved to Bradley County, Tennessee, where the mother died in 1854. About 1861 the father went to Walker County, Georgia, where he resided until his death in 1865. For a great many years he held important official positions in Ashe County, North Carolina, filling the position of the circuit clerk of Ashe County for forty years. He was a Henry Clay Whig, and throughout life was extensively engaged in farming. His father came from Germany at an early day, and followed the occupation blacksmithing. Henry Clay Earnest is the only surviving member of a family of nine children, and was born on the 12th of May, 1823, in Ashe County, North Carolina. He received the education and rearing of the average farmer's boy of his day, and at the age of twenty began tilling the soil on his own responsibility. In 1844 he espoused MARY MELTON, who was born in Cocke County, Tennessee in 1827, and in 1859 they moved to Walker Co. Georgia, and seven years later removed to Washington County, Arkansas, where they made their home until 1883, since which time they have resided in Sebastian County. Mr. Earnest's chief business through life has been farming, but since locating in Sebastian County he has operated a grist-mill and cotton-gin. In 1884 he was appointed postmaster of Milltown, and is a Republican in politics, and his wife is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. They own sixty-eight acres of land in Sebastian County, and eighty acres in Washington County, and are the parents of the following children: Winfield S., Mary J., Mattie, Margaret, David, John, Thomas, Charles, Amanda, Henry, Minnie and Otto. The eldest son is a merchant of Milltown.
SOURCE: Northwestern Arkansas Volume pg. 1310 (1889)
DONATED BY: Howard Lehman.
FROM: M/M POT V.12 pg. 9.
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ILLINOIS
HANCOCK CO.
Aug, 1831, MR. MATHEW MELTON, his son Allen and John Trammell, settled on Sec. 36, on which Plymouth now stands. Mr. Melton's daughter Marrissa, afterward Mr. Ezekiel Bowman, is said to have been the first white woman on Round Prairie; and her daughter, Eliza Jane, born March, 1833, now Mrs. Walty, of Plymouth, the first child born there.
Joshua Owen and John Box both removed to Lee County, Iowa, and each served a term in the Territorial Legislature.
John W. Crockett was said to have been a relative of the renowned "Davy", of Tennessee and Texas fame. David Greenleaf held various public offices, among them that of Probate Judge, and now resides in Carthage.
Crockett, James Clark, BenjaminTerrill and Lamarcus A. Cook succeeded the Melton family on Sec. 36, and in January, 1836, laid out the town of Plymouth. Levier Tadlock erected the first building.
There is a big "snake story" connected with Cedar Bluff, up north of Plymouth, good enough to be told here.
"One bright spring day in 1833, Mr. Ezekiel Bowman, who but a short time before had become the happy father of his first-born child, now Mrs. Walty, started out, with his his infant in his arms, for a walk. Led, perhaps, by that intuitive love for nature in wilder forms, so common in the human breast, he found himself presently at Cedar Bluff. Here his wandering steps were suddenly arrested by an ominous rattle and coiled form, that man never meets unexpectedly without being startled. Unarmed for fight, his first impulse was to seek a place of temporary safety for his precious luggage, and then a weapon of stick or stone for the attack; but as he turned another met his gaze, and then another, and another. In fact, he could see snakes all around him without the aid, now required, of numerous glasses of strychnine whickey.. Picking his way canstiously out of the enemy's encampment, the attack was deferred until reinforcements could be brought up. Returning with two of his brothers-in-low, Allen and Henry Melton, the slaughter began. The enemy proved to be strongly intrenched within the rocky ledge; their den was inaccessible, but by frequent raids during that season and part of the next, surprising and killing them as they ventured out of the den, over 600 rattlesnakes were killed by these parties at that locality."
SOURCE: History of Hancock Co., Ill., T.H. Gregg, Charles C. Chapman
& Co., Chicago, 1880.
DONATED BY: John Bradley Arthaud.
FROM: M/M POT V.8 pg. 3.
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WINNEBAGO CO.
WILLIAM T. MELTON. A high place among the farmers and stock-raisers of Winnebago Co. must be accorded the gentleman above named, who has made a fortune by hard labor, prudent economy, and business shrewdness. He has experienced all that is known to a poor man who makes a settlement in a new country, and among the many disadvantages has been enabled to lay by a handsome competence and is at the present time occupying a beautiful home on section 8, Owen Township.
That part of England which is known as Lincolnshire has furnished this country many of her best citizens and most enterprising farmers. To it we are indebted for the subject of this sketch, who was born in that far-away land, May 13, 1844. His father, William B. Melton, was also born in that shire, as was also his father, George Melton. The latter-named gentleman was a farmer and spent his entire life in England.
William B. Melton was a lad of eight years when he commenced to earn his own way in the world, being in the employ of a wealthy gentleman for some time. He later was engaged in training horses for the track, for sale, etc., and in May of 1851 sailed from Liverpool, for America, accompanied by his wife and four children. They landed in New York six weeks later, when Mr. Melton came directly to Rockford, which was at that time a small house and entered the employ of the Chicago & Galena Union Railroad, now the Northwestern Railroad Company, and worked for them in Rockford for two months. He then went to Ridott, Stephenson Co., where he was engaged for ten years as bridge tender of the same company. The elder Mr. Melton then purchased land and engaged in farming until his decease, Oct 3, 1890. His wife, prior to her marriage, was Mary A. Wilmer and still makes her home on the old farm.
He of whom we write celebrated his eighth birthday while on the ocean en route to America. His father being in limited circumstances, he commenced when quite young to earn his own living, making his first money by carrying drinking-water for the railroad employees and which amounted to fifty cents per day. He later worked out on farms by the day and month until 1864, when, on the 30th of Aug., he enlisted in Company C, 146 Illinois Infantry, being mustered in at Camp Butler. He served his country for one year on detached duty, and being taken sick in June 1865, received his honorable discharge. For a time after his return home, Mr. Melton was in very poor health, and going to Iowa worked on a farm for a 12th month, at the expiration of which time he turned and took charge of the home farm until 1868. Then in company with his brother-in-law, he rented and operated a farm for two years and then purchased eighty acres, which are included in his present farm, and to which are included in his present farm, and to which he has since added eighty acres adjoining. The entire tract is well fenced and improved with a good set of buildings, not the least among which is the comfortable farm residence.
William T. Melton was united in marriage to Elizabeth Mayers, Jan 12, 1870. Mrs. Melton was born in Stephenson Co., this State and has become the mother of four children: Alvin William, Mary Luella, George F. and Edward S. Socially, our subject is a member of Nevius Post No. 1, GAR., and with his estimable wife is respected as a thoroughly upright and honest citizen.
SOURCE: Portrait & Biographical Record - Winnebago & Boone Cos.
Ill. 1892.
FROM: M/M POT V.8, pg. 23.
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INDIANA
Page 406-7
JOHN M. MELTON,.one of the enterprising farmers of Washington Township, was born in Harrison County, Ind., February 22, 1822, and is the eldest of five children of Jesse and Eleanor (Melton) Melton, natives of North Carolina, and of English origin. Our subject lived on a farm for some years, and received his education in the common schools. He came with his parents from Harrison County to Clay County, Ind., in 1854, and located in Bowling Green, where he has since resided. Mr. Melton is one of the pioneers of this county. He was also a soldier in the Mexican War. In July 1846, he enlisted in the Second Indiana Volunteers, participationg in the battle of Buena Vista, and was discharged in July 1847. On his return to civil life he engaged in mercantile trade in Bowling Green. After seven years experience in this, he sold out his stock and purchased a farm of 100 acres near Bowling Green, and has since been a successful farmer. On October 11, 1849, he was married to Emily N., daughter of William and Rachel (Alexander) Waugh, natives of North Carolina and of Irish extraction. The following-naming children have been born to them: J.H., Rachel L. (Campbell), George, W.A., Jasper J., Otto and Emily M. (Buell). Mrs. Melton died August 8, 1869. She was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church. In politics, Mr. Melton is a staunch Republican, but cast his first ballot for James K. Polk for President. With his own hands, and without assistance, Mr. Melton has made the beautiful farm which is now his home.
SOURCE: Counties of Clay & Owen, Indiana, Historial & Biographical,
Charles Blanchard, ed. (Battey, Chicago, 1884)
FROM: M/M POT V. 7 pg. 11
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IOWA
HENRY CO.
Page 322.
JOHN MELTON, one of the early and honored settlers of Henry County,
was born in Virginia, and was a son of Allen Melton. His mother died
when he was only five years old. He was reared upon a farm, being
bound out to a farmer until he grew to manhood. When about twenty-one
years of age, John Melton led to the marriage altar Miss Phoebe [sic;family
consistently spelled it Phebe] Heston, who was born in Pennsylvania, and
was a daughter of Phineas and Sarah Heston. Shortly after his marriage,
he with his young wife emigrated to Ohio [sic; they were married on Warren
Co., Ohio on 4-12-1821; he was 22 and she was 21], where they lived for
a number of years. Thence he went to Warren County, Indiana, where
he staid [sic] several years. In 1839 Mr. Melton removed to Henry
County, which place he made his home until his death. He took up
his residence on a farm in Center Township, remaining there until 1853,
when he removed to section 36, Tippecanoe Township. Twelve children
graced the union of John Melton and Phoebe Heston, only three of whom are
yet living: John, a miner, residing in California; Mrs. Alfred Doan [Rachel,
m. 8-19-1852]; and Isaac, a farmer, now living in Republic County, Kansas.
When the Republican party came into existence, Mr. Melton found the principles
enunciated by its leaders were in accordance with those he had held, and
therefore acted with it until he departed this life in October, 1870, his
wife also dying in the same month of the same year. She was a member
of the Society of Friends, and though Mr. Melton was not a church member,
his integrity and uprightness were undoubted. He was a large land-holder
in this county, and one of its best citizens. Having a heart ovrflowing
with love for humanity, to the poor he was ever kind and considerate,
and no man ever stood higher in the community than Mr. Melton, his high
character and many good deeds endearing him to all classes.
Page 321
WILLIAM MELTON, One of the prominet and representative farmers of this
county, was born in Warren County, Indiana [son of Stephen and Eleanor
Easterling Melton], and in that county his boyhood days were spent.
He received his early education in the common schools of his native State,
and in the year 1858 came West, locating in Henry County, where he resided
a short time with his uncle [John Melton]. In the meantime he became
acquainted with Miss Sarah Wilson [dtr. of John and Mary Thomas Wilson],
the acquaintance ripened into love, and October, 1859, he lead her to the
marriage altar [sic;they married 12-15-1859]. Her parents, Mr. and
Mrs. John Wilson, were among the very earliest settlers of the county.
On the 29th of February, 1836, at the home of Mr. John Wilson, on Brush
Creek, Kentucky, Mrs. Melton, the first white child of Henry County, was
born. Mrs. Melton has a most wonderful head of hair, being at the
present time long enough to drag upon the floor, and at one time before
being cut off it measured seven feet and three inches. Mrs. Melton
is a woman of good address and fine intellect. The hospitable door
of the home always stands open, and both husband and wife are always ready
to welcome the weary traveler. In their home love for each other
and their fellowman reigns supreme, and those simple but powerful gifts,
a kind word and a cheery smile, are ready for all. Soon after their
marriage Mr. and Mrs. Melton went to Warren County, Indiana, where they
remained for twenty-five years, until hearing of Mr. Wilson's sickness,
when they returned home, staying with him until his death. [John
Wilson d. 1-26-1887, in Henry Co. IA.].
SOURCE: Portrait and Biographical Album of Henry County, Iowa, 1888.
DONATED BY: Mark A. Melton.
FROM: M/M POT V.12 pg. 68-69.
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KENTUCKY
JAMES L. MELTON, was born in what was formerly Henderson, now Webster Co. Ky., March 19, 1823, and is a son of SamuelN. and Sarah (Mooney) Melton. He is the fourth in a family of nine children, and is of German English descent. His parents were both natives of North Carolina, but in early life emigrated to Kentucky. The father of subject proved to be a valubable acquisition to the pioneers of western Kentucky; he manufactured salt at what is still known as Knob Lick and Highland Lick, and was one of the first salt manufacturers in this part of the State. The regular price for salt was $1 a bushel. He died at Highland Lick 1836, and the mother of our subject died near the same place some time afterward. James L. has been a farmer from boyhood. In 1849 he settled where he now resides, and now owns 600 acres of good land, the greater part of which is in a high state of cultivation. He was married, June 26, 1851, to Miss Elizabeth Humphrey, a native of Muhlenburgh Co., Ky., dughter of Rawley Humphrey. This marriage has been blessed with ten children: Samuel W. (deceased), Sarah J., Rawley E., James M., Elizabeth A., Vitula and Thomas J. Mrs. Melton died Aug 24, 1882. Mr. Melton is a Democrat, and is one of the few now living that have spent more than fifty years in what.is now Webster County.
SOURCE: Kentucky Genealogy & Biography, V. IV, pg. 273, Thomas W.
Westerfield, Editor.
FROM: M/M POT V. 7 pg. 11.
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TENNESSEE
BRIEF AUTOBIOGRAPHY
SPENCER KING MELTON, V.D.M.
I was born June 3, 1801, in Cumberland County, Virginia; when three years old my father moved to Buckingham County, Virginia. My parents, Isham and Sallie Melton, were not religious, though strictly moral, and lived to a very old age. In the fall of 1816, father moved to Harrison County, Kentucky. In 1823 he moved to Rush County, Indiana, where my mother and father died.
I was baptized by Elder William Morton, at Silas church, Bourbon County, Kentucky, on the fourth Sunday in July 1822. I began immediately to exercise in public; was licensed to preach on the second Saturday in April, 1825, by the New Providence church, in Harrison County, Kentucky to which I had removed. At a call of the church at Union, Decatur County, Indiana, I was ordained to the ministry on the fourth Sunday in July, 1827, by Elders Daniel Stogsdill, Esom Leath, and Adam Cantwell, presbytery; all now dead and gone to their eternal reward. They were good and holy men. I have labored much in the gospel ministry in the States of Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Virginia, Missouri, Arkansas and Tennessee. I was married October 6, 1823, to Miss Hannah R. Phillips, Harrison County, Kentucky; she was killed by the fall of a tree, April 9, 1829; left two small children. My second wife was Miss Elizabeth Skiroin, with whom I lived about eight years; then I spent about thirteen years in traveling and preaching; August 25, 1851, I was married to Miss Savilty Wilson, of Cape Girardeau County, Missouri. In December, 1860, I moved to Memphis, Tennessee; thence to Brownsville, Tennessee; thence to Ripley, Lauderdale County, Tennessee. Upon coming to Memphis, I connected myself with the church in Chelsea; then with the church at Brownsville; then with the church at Hermon, near Ripley; then with the church at Ripley; then with the church at Selem. February, 1871, I removed to Dyer County, connected myself with the church at Newbern, Tennessee, where my membership still remains.
I consider my work upon earth nearly finished. I am now old and feeble, so that I may say I have nearly finished my course; I have kept the faith; I have, to the best of my abilities, fought a good fight; I feel ready to depart and be with Christ; I feel assured that there is a crown of righteousness laid up for me, and which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me at that day when He comes to judge the living and the dead.
I have, at different times and places, served as pastor, but the most of my life has been devoted to envangelizing, or as now called, a traveling missionary. Though old and feeble, I am still plodding my way through life in the midst of much conflict, doing all the good I can for Christ and His course and people - yes, the world. Among the last acts of my life, I have written, and would publish a work, which would be of much value to mankind generally, if they had it in print, but the lack of means prevents its publication. I feel ardently anxious that my manuscript should come to the public use, convinced, as I am, that by the Divine blessing, it would do much good now, and even when these members of my body be neither seen nor heard on earth. With the exception of still trying to publish this work, there is nothing to induce in a desire to stay here any longer - nothing but the will of the Lord be done, whether it keeps me here long or takes me away soon; for
"What is this world with all its store?
'Tis but a bitter-sweet;
When I attempt to pluck the rose,
A piercing thorn I meet.
Bright scenes of glory strike my sense,
And fill my soul with joy;
And soon from earth I shall go thence
To peace without alloy."
The Lord still continues me on earth, for what purpose I know not. It seems to me that I have become almost useless to myself and others, but I suppose the Lord has something still for me to do, and as His will presents to my perception, I am ready to do it.
SOURCE: Biographical Sketches of Tennessee Baptist Minister 1880 by
J. Borum.
DONATED BY; Mary Beth Lozo.
FROM: M/M POT V. 11 pg. 36.
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TEXAS
J.D. MELTON
J.D. Melton. The family of Melton is another of Alabama's strong contributions to the better class citizenship of Hopkins county, Mr. Tom Melton, father of the subject now under review, coming from that state to Texas and settling in Hopkins in 1859. He was a Confederate soldier, comes from a family of soil tillers, and was married to Miss Sarah Sullivan, a native of Miss., whose parents moved to Hopkins Co. Texas when she was 9 yrs. old, and both whom are still living on their farm in this county. Five sons and three daughters being the result of this union. Mr. J.D. Melton, son, was born in this county 17 Oct 1881. He attended East Texas Normal at Commerce, and Emerson College at Campbell, Texas. His initial experience in school teaching was at Sherly, this county, where he taught 3 years in charge of Seymour school; 3 years at Paint Rock, one year at Old Tarrant, 1 year at Nelta, all of this county. Farmer. Owns a 96 acre farm 6 miles of Sulphur Springs. He was md. to Miss Leonna Robinson, daughter of "Buck" Robinson, a progressive farmer of this county, 20 Nov 1910. In the last July primary Mr. Melton ran for office of tax assessor of Hopkins Co., won the nomination by 269 votes, his vote in following regular election being 2-45. Methodist, Mason and W.C.W. (no publication date for this bio.)
SOURCE: Who's Who in Waco & Central Texas, pg. 132.
DONATED BY: Ruth Martin.
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U.B. MELTON
U.B. (Brent) Melton, ranchman of Allamore, operates extensive ranching interests in this section and is also taking an active part in the movement to reclaim thousands of acres of waste land through irrigation. The Melton ranch was established in 1914 by the late J.J. Melton and is now operated as a partnership, Mr. Melton's mother, Mrs. C.S. Holmes, and his 2 sisters, Frances & Pauline Melton, being joint direct management. The ranch is located 10 miles north of Allamore and contains 71 1/2 sections of land, all of which is now leased. Land lies near petroleum activity. Mr. Melton has been working in connection with the Southern Pacific and the Texas Pacific Railroads for construction of a large dam. The lake will furnish water for both roads and also for the town of Sierra Blanco.
U.B. (Brent) Melton was born in Charleston, W. Va., on 25 June 1896, and is the son of the late J.J. Melton. J.J. Melton a prominent lumberman of W. Va., came to Allamore in 1914, buying the large Melton ranch at that time, which he operated until his death in January, 1915. U.B. Melton was educated in West Va., graduating from high school there. Also studied music. Came to Texas with his father, remaining at Allamore from 1912 to 1914, when he went to Big Spring. While there he enlisted in the army, as a first class musician and served with Eith Heavy Artillery, 7th Div. overseas for 10 months. After his discharge, he returned to Big Spring where he remained until 1921, when he came to Allamore to take over management of the Melton Ranch.
Mr. Melton was married in California on 29 July 1919 to Miss Lena Brauer, native of California. They have 3 children, U.B. Jr.; John J.; and Betty Grace. they make their home in Allamore. Mr. Melton is an Elk, belonging to the lodge at El Paso.
SOURCE: New Encyclopedia of Texas, V.II pg. 1285.
DONATED BY: Ruth Martin.
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Pg. 585.
GEORGE MELTON
George Melton, only child of Thomas and Elizabeth (Goss) Melton both natives of England, where the subject of the sketch was also b. April 5, 1818, reared in England, educated there, learned a trade as a carpenter and builder. To America at age 18, settled Huron Co. Ohio. Sept. 25, 1840 md. to Miss Delilah A. Fuller, daugther of Loring Fuller, originally form Mass. whose wife was a Connecticut lady. The same year Mr. Melton moved to Knoxville, Knox Co., Ill. where he lived 13 years. Lived 2 years at Waterloo, Iowa, where he erected an 85 ft. high flagstaff in 1853. Moved to Texas in 1855, located at Sherman. (Mentions a number of buildings he erected there.)
Raised 6 children, all but one living, most of whom married and settled down around him. Their Christian names are Mollie, Martha, Loring G., Thomas C., Jennie and Deliah. Thomas C. is in business with father in the firm of Melton & Son, contracting and building. In 1878 the family adopted a child by the name of Emily Raper, brought to Texas from the Orphan's Home in Quincy, Ill. Her name is now Adelle Melton.
Mr. Melton is a Mason (since age 22) and a member of the Christian Church.
SOURCE: Biographical Souvenir of the State of Texas, 1889.
DONATED BY: Ruth Martin.
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Page 585 & 586
SEABORN J. MELTON
Seaborn J. Melton, representative on his father's side of one of the earliest settled families on Georgia. His paternal great grandparents were natives of England and came to America before or about the time of the Revolution; settling first on the Atlantic coast, from whence they subsequently drifted into the interior. Mr. Melton's paternal grandfather was born on the ship that brought the first ancestors to this country; he was, in recognition of this fact, christened Seaborn, a name handed down to Mr. Melton's father as well as himself.
Mr. Melton's grandfather was an early settler of Georgia, married in this country, but being called to England to look after an estate there, was shipwrecked and lost. Left two sons, one of whom was father of the subject of this sketch. He was born in Greene Co., Ga., grew to manhood there, and in Talbot Co., married there and in 1847, moved to Arkansas, location in Lafayette and afterwards settling in Columbia Co. He was a farmer, a Missionary Baptist, etc., dying in 1871, at the advanced age of 85, born 1804.
Mr. Melton's mother was a native of South Carolina, maiden name was Sarah Franklin, daughter of John Franklin of that state. A widow when she married Mr. Melton's father, having been married previously to a Mr. Brown by whom she had 4 children: Samantha, Elvira, Julia and Peter F. She also had 4 children by her second marriage: Robert N., Sarah D., Seaborn J., and James R.
Seaborn J. Melton was born Putnam County, Georgia, Feb 13, 1833, was 14 when his parents moved to Arkansas. Mr. Melton was a pvt. in the 1st Regt. raised in Ark. Apptd. 1st Lt. soon after enlisting, held this position 15 months, during which time his command was serving in SW Missouri and Arkansas. Regt. was ordered east of the Mill., engaged in battles prior to, during and after the battle of Corinth, Miss. Returned to Ark., helped organize another company...(names battles all over the Ark. - Mo. area: Pea Ridge, etc.) ...Promoted to Captain.
Captain Melton laid down his arms June 1865, and returned home to Columbia Co., Arkansas. He md. March 6, 1866, Miss Sarah E., daughter of William Rose, Columbia co. Ark. (an old settler of that county). In 1870 Capt. Melton moved to Denton Co., Texas for 4 yrs., then moved to Grayson Co. (near Collinsville) where he purchased 193 acres and has resided since. Also owns a tract of timber-land in Cooke Co, 4 miles west of his home.
Has a family of 7 children whose name in of their ages are Willie S. (wife of W.S. Bolling), Mattie, Musa, Lee, Viva V., Junia N., and Otto.
SOURCE: Biographical Souvenir of the State of Texas, 1889.
DONATED BY: Ruth Martin.
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Pg. 587
JOHN T.MELTON
John T. Melton, born Greene Co., Illinois, Sept. 10, 1836, father David (My Wiley J.'s brother-Trella Hall) was born in North Carolina, moved first to Tenn., subsequently to Greene Co. Ill., then in 1849 to Texas where he died June 4, 1886. He was a farmer, Baptist, and a Mason. His wife was Catherine (Findley) Melton, born Madison Co., Ill., and still living, aged 71; 8 children. John T. was 2nd. child. He now owns 562 acres of fine land. In 1862 he was pvt. in Company ?, Col. Bob Taylor's command, until close of the war. January, 1868 he married Miss Mary J. McCall of Collin Co., Texas, a daughter of John and Mary (Kernhane) McCall. Three children: Etna E.; James W.; and Chesterfield A. Mrs. Melton died 14 Sep 1875 and 11 Feb 1885 Mr. Melton married Nancy C. Sheahane, of Collin Co., a daughter of James and Emily (Morris) Shehane. Two children: Martin E. and Dibrel G. Melton.
SOURCE: Bigraphical Souvenir of the State of Texas, 1889.
DONATED BY: Ruth Martin.
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Pg. 587
R.A. MELTON
R.A. Melton, merchant at Sulphur Springs, Texas, born Perry Co., Alabama
25 Oct. 1840, is a son of William and Frances (Scarbrough) Melton.
William Melton was a native of South Carolina, but died in Texas in 1864.
Mrs. Frances Melton was a native of Ala. and died in Texas in 1872,
age 48 years. Four children, in order of birth: R.A.; Thomas; George;
and Joe. R.A. Melton came to Texas with his parents in 1849.
First located in Harrison Co., moved in 1859 to Hopkins Co.; Spring 1862
R.A. Melton enlisted in Co. "D" Crump's Texas Nattn., captured at Spanish
Fort, prisoner on Ship Island 5 weeks, Paroled at Vicksburg. Farmed
for several years after the war, but in 1880 located in Sulphur Springs
where he now has largest grocery house in the county.
November 1872, Mr. Melton married Emma, daughter of Daniel Owens, of Miss., and after her death, married Mrs. Sarah (Campbell) Conley. Mr. Melton is a Mason, member of Columbia Union, and a Baptist. Has a stepson Dick Conley, and an adopted child, Ruby Nella Melton.
SOURCE:Biographical Souvenir of the State of Texas, 1889.
DONATED BY: Ruth Martin.
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Page 69-71
WILLIAM T. MELTON, Paint Rock. Representative from 94th District,
composed of Concho, McCulloch, San Saba and Mills counties, was born at
this father's farm near Lourina, Randolph Co., Alabama on 11 July 1843.
His father was David C. Melton, of English descent, was born in South Carolina
and in 1841 married in Alabama. Miss Mary Berryhill of Scotish Irish
and 1/8 Creek Indian Lineage, who bore him 10 children (11 given):
W.T., Martha A. (now Mrs. Wright), Robert (deceased), Rebecca (deceased),
Samantha F. (now Mrs. Elliott), John C. (deceased), Mary (Mrs. Cardwell,
dec'd), Kate (now Mrs. Capion), Missouri F. (now Mrs. Hamilton), Minnie
B. (now Mrs. Rosson), and Alfonzo; moved to Denton Co., Texas 1877; died
at Paint Rock, Concho Co., 1888; his wife dying in Denton Co. 8 years later.
Honorable William T. Melton, attended school at Lourine Academy, Alabama, at 13 entered a printing office, served as an apprentice for 3 years; after becoming a journeyman, clerked for 2 years; in 1861 age 18, enlisted in Confederate Army as a Pvt. soldier, Co. K, 14th Alabama which was sent to Virginia and as a part of Wilcox's Alabama brigade, Anderson's division, Longstreet's corps, took part in most of the principal engagements, etc. until surrender at Appomattox, 9 April 1865.
Returning home to Lousina[Lourina?], he married in Nov 1865, Miss Missouri F. Barron, daughter of John D. Barron, one of Alabama's distinguished families; to Texas 1866; farmed in Milam & Bell Counties 4 years; established the Lampasas "Dispatch" 1870; sold the paper in 1873; shortly thereafter purchased the "San Saba News", sold it in 1879 and moved to Concho County where he engaged in the sheep business and has since resided.
Sheriff and Tax Collector, Concho County 1882 till 1890, declined re-election; engaged in real estate and live stock business since then. Democrat, member of M.E. Church, South (31 yrs.), Mason (for years) holding Knight Templar degree.
Eight Children: Carrie J. (dec'd), Cora B. (now Mrs. Cross), Willie A. (now Mrs. Vaughn), Lula M. (now Mrs. Vaughn), Mamie R., Kate (dec'd), W.T. Jr. and Thornton L.
SOURCE: Texas State Government, by E.H. Doughery, 1897 (Member of 25th
Legislature)
DONATED BY: Ruth Martin.
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VIRGINIA
ALBEMARLE CO.
EUBANK
Families of the Eubank name have lived along the south fork of Hardware from the earliest times. They sprang from two brothers. George and John. It is believed they came from Orange County. In 1758 George bought from James Ireland three hundred acres on Beaverdam, not far from the present Soapstone Quarries. The next year John purchased from Matthew Jordan in the same vicinity. The year after the organization of the county, 1746, a John Eubank obtained a grant of nearly three hundred acres on Rocky Creek, in its northwest section; it is possible he was the same person as the one just mentioned.
John died in 1789. His wife's name was Hannah, and his children were John, James, William, Nancy, Elizabeth and Sarah, who were both married to brothers named Fortune, a family that lived in same neighborhood, and Frances, the wife of a Gilmer. George died in 1802. He and his wife Mary had six children, John, Elizabeth, George, Frances the wife of her cousin, John Eubank, Nancy, the wife of David Watson, and Mary, the wife of Richard Hazelrig. George also brought up two orphan children, Nelson and Sarah Key, whom he committed to the care of his daughter Frances and her husband, and for whose subesequent welfare he made special provision. His two sons, John and George, had each twelve children.
The Eubanks appear to have been quiet, industrious farmers, fairly prosperous in the worldly affairs. The family particularly marked for its energy and success was that of James, son of John. He married MILDRED MELTON, and had five sons and tree daughters. He died in 1821, leaving a considerable estate. Two of his sons, John and George W., took advantage of the opening of the Staunton and James River Turnpike, established taverns on the roads, and for many years did a large business in the entertainment of those transporting the vast amount of produce at that time passing between the Valley and Scottsville. George married his cousin, Winifred Eubank, and had eight children. He died in 1841. John married Sarah Strange, and died without children in 1854. Emigration to the West has taken many from the different branches of this family, so that comparatively few of the name remain now in the county.
SOURCE: History of Albemarle County, Virginia, by Rev. Edgar Wood 1901.
pgs. 188-189.
DONATED BY: Edna Lowery.
FROM: M/M POT V. 11 pg.45.
