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Below is a family biography included in The History of Carroll County, Arkansas published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1889.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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Thomas W. Fancher, a prominent farmer of Carroll County, Ark., was born in Overton County, Tenn., on January 24, 1833. He is a son of James and Elizabeth (Carlock) Fancher, natives of North Carolina and Tennessee, respectively. When twelve years of age James Fancher removed from his native State to Tennessee. After his marriage in the latter State he located on a farm, and resided there until 1838, when he came to Carroll County, Ark. Locating on a farm, he spent the remainder of his life here, and died on June 8, 1866. His widow is still living (1888). James Fancher served as a private in the War of 1812. In 1842 he represented Carroll County in the Arkansas Legislature. Thomas W. Fancher grew to manhood on his father’s farm, and on July 9, 1857, was married to Elizabeth B. Sneed, a daughter of Charles Sneed. She was born and reared in the neighborhood of her present home. After his marriage Mr. Fancher located on a part of his present farm. The place now contains 500 acres, of which 230 acres are under cultivation and finely improved. Mr. and Mrs. Fancher have a family of ten children, viz.: James, Wilburn H., Martha J. (a widow who resides with her parents), Mary D. (one of the county teachers), Polk, Charles R., Wilkins H., Bessie May, Joseph J. and Jesse. Both Mr. and Mrs. Fancher are earnest Christians. She is a member of the Methodist Church, and he of the Cumberland Presbyterian. In 1862 Mr. Fancher enlisted in the Confederate army, and was assigned to the Fourth Arkansas Infantry. Later he was placed in Herrell’s battalion, and served until hostilities ceased, acting part of the time as first lieutenant. Among other engagements he participated in the battles of Prairie Grove, Poison Springs and Marks Mills. His regiment was disbanded in Texas, after which he returned home, arriving in June 1865. Mr. Fancher is a charter member of Osage Masonic Lodge, and is a Master Mason.

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This family biography is one of 82 biographies included in The History of Carroll County, Arkansas published in 1889.  For the complete description, click here: Carroll County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

To view additional Carroll County, Arkansas family biographies, click here

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