My Genealogy Hound

Robert R. Radford is a merchant of Poplar Bluff, Ark., and notwithstanding the fact that he is a native Georgian, born September 18, 1849, he has resided in Ashley County, Ark., since 1872, and has fully identified himself with every interest in the same. His parents, James L. and Martha J. (Ezell) Radford, were also born in Georgia, and there reared a family of nine children, five of whom are now living. One brother in Arkansas, two sisters in Texas, one sister in Georgia and the subject of this sketch, who resided in his native State until he was twenty-one years of age. His education, although received in the common schools, was thorough, and on coming to this county he was better equipped to make his own way in the world than the majority of boys. After farming six years in Extra and Bastrop Townships, he formed a partnership with W. L. Blanks in the mercantile business at Poplar Bluff, the style of the firm being Radford & Blanks. In addition to a half ownership in this establishment, he is the owner of 260 acres of land on Gum Ridge, 150 acres of which are under cultivation. As a merchant, he is doing a prosperous business, and as he and his partner are perfectly honorable in all their dealings, and accommodating besides, they fully deserve the extensive patronage which they now enjoy. He has always been a Democrat, and in 1889 was elected to fill an unexpired term as county and circuit clerk. He belongs to the K. of P., the K. of H., and he and his wife, whom he married in 1881, are earnest members of the Methodist Church. Mrs. Radford was formerly Miss Tulitha Sammons, a daughter of John Sammons, and her union with Mr. Radford has resulted in the birth of two children: Lulor May and Antoinette. Both Mr. Radford’s parents were English.