My Genealogy Hound

John H. Marks, one of the first settlers and most influential citizens of Calhoun County, residing in Moro Township, Chambersville post-office, is a native of Alabama, born on October 10, 1823. His father, Hastings Marks, a native of Georgia, son of John H. Marks, Sr., was a soldier in the Creek War under Gen. Floyd, commander of the Georgia troops. The Markses were of English descent. Hastings Marks emigrated to what is now Cleveland County, Ark., in 1836, and engaged in farming. He was one of the first settlers of that county, and was greatly honored and esteemed by all. He was the first treasurer of Bradley County, and held that office for several years. He was married in Georgia to Miss Civility Powels, a native of Georgia, by whom he had nine children, four of whom are still living, the subject of this sketch being the second. Mr. Marks died in 1845 and his widow in 1877. The family moved to Arkansas when our subject was thirteen years of age, where he was partly raised and educated. He had previously attended school in Georgia and Alabama. He resided with his parents until he had reached manhood, and in 1847 was married to Miss Matilda J. Thornton, a native of Alabama, born on December 19, 1829, and by her had seven sons and three daughters, of whom four sons and three daughters survive, viz.: Mary (wife of W. T. Pickett), William H., Catherine (wife of J. H. Marks, her cousin), Albert D., Quitman D., Henry J., Robert L. (deceased), and Virginia (at home). Mr. Marks settled on a farm of 220 acres of uncultivated land in 1844, and now has about 100 acres under cultivation. Mr. Marks was the first magistrate of this township and of the county, and has been county surveyor for twenty years. Politically he affiliates with the Democratic party, and cast his first presidential vote for James K. Polk. He is a Free Mason.