My Genealogy Hound

Joel Plumlee, an influential citizen and prosperous farmer of Carroll County, Ark., was born in the county on May 28, 1837, and is a son of Joel Plumlee, Sr. The latter was born and reared in White County, Tenn., and was married there to Rachel Simmons, a native of South Carolina, who, when about fourteen years of age, removed to White County, Tenn. After his marriage Joel Plumlee, Sr., settled on a farm in Tennessee, and resided there several years, coming to Arkansas about 1833. He settled in Madison County, but came to Carroll County in 1836, and located on a farm near Berryville. He bought the land on which he located, and improved a farm, which he sold about 1849 and removed to Stone County, Mo. Three years later he returned to Carroll County and remained until the breaking out of the Civil War, when he again removed to Missouri and passed the remainder of his life, his death occurring in February, 1863. While a resident of Carroll County he served as justice of the peace for a number of years. Joel Plumlee, Jr., remained with his father until he was about twenty-three years of age. In November, 1961, he enlisted in the Federal army as a private, and was assigned to the Twenty-fourth Missouri Infantry. He was afterward promoted to corporal, and served until his term of enlistment expired in 1864, when he was discharged at St. Louis. He participated in the engagement at Fort Derusia, on Red River, and Pleasant Hill, La. At the last named place he received a gunshot wound through the left breast, which disabled him for about six months. He was also taken prisoner at that place, and, after a two months’ confinement, made his escape and traveled on foot 300 hundred miles to rejoin his regiment. After that he was in many skirmishes, but was in no regular engagement. Upon received his discharge he returned to Missouri, and remained engaged in farming until 1867, when he returned Carroll County, Ark. Here he located on the farm where he now resides, he having purchased the land prior to the war. In politics Mr. Plumlee has always endorsed and supported the principles and men of the Republican party. He served as surveyor of Carroll County for three years. In 1884 he was elected sheriff and collector, and served one term. He was married in Webster County, Mo., on December 25, 1864, to Mary J. Potter, a native of Drew County, Ark., and a daughter of Milton M. Potter, formerly from Tennessee. Their marriage has been blessed with eight children: Francis M., Nancy L. (Mrs. J. T. Fulkerson), Julia M., Elizabeth C., William M., Mary G., Cora V. and Lester T. Mr. Plumlee and wife are consistent Christians and members of the Missionary Baptist Church.