his majority, having obtained such an education as could be had in a new country, he set out to make his own fortune. Being handy with tools, he learned the house carpenter's trade, during boyhood, when the farm was not demanding his services. He was fond of music, vocal and instrumental. When a boy, he was a fine violinist, and would play at night in public gatherings for the pleasure and amusement of his friends. He went to South Alabama and worked at the carpenter's trade with his older brother Porter. During the year 1840, he married Miss Anna, daughter of N. G. Whitley, formerly of North Carolina. He went to Sumter County, Alabama, and farmed for eight years. Then he moved to Pickens County. There he followed the tanning business for eight more years. In 1858 he moved to DeSoto County, Mississippi, where he lived and farmed till 1870. He went into the Confederate service at the beginning of the war, but was discharged in about a year on account of ill health. He was in detailed service during the war. During the year 1870 he moved to DesArc, Arkansas. Here he first worked at contracting and building, then at the livery business. In 1883, he went into the undertaking business, at which he continued till his death. In all these different occupations he was prudent and economical, and succeeded financially, especially in the undertaking business. He made a competency and left, at his death, a good estate and an excellent character which is better than great riches.
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