My Genealogy Hound

Isaac N. Runyan, merchant, Amity, Ark. As a man of business Mr. Runyan's name and fame is coextensive with Clark County and the surrounding country, and he is much esteemed and respected by all acquainted with him. He was born in Alabama, and his father, Isaac Runyan, was a participant in the Creek and Seminole war. By occupation the latter was a farmer and black smith. His death occurred in August, 1873. I. N. Runyan started out in life for himself as a farmer in 1857, and later engaged in mercantile pursuits in this State. In 1876 he began with a stock of goods valued at about $2,000, and now does an annual mercantile business of from $6,000 to $15,000. Mr. Runyan still owns his farm, which he rents to tenants, and this land will produce about one-half bale of cotton to the acre when properly cultivated. He was elected to the office of justice of the peace in 1874, and discharged the duties incumbent upon this office for six years, after which he declined re-election. During the late war he enlisted in the First Arkansas Cavalry, Company K, in 1802, and was assigned to the Trans Mississippi Department. He was in Gen. Price's raid through Missouri, and was one of the sharpshooters. After this he was at Camden for six or seven weeks when he received a furlough home. He came to this section in 1874, and settled on his present property. He was married in December, 1858, to Miss R. E. Roberson, daughter of N. Roberson, of Mississippi, who was a farmer, and who died in 1864. To Mr. and Mrs. Runyan were born nine children; five are still living—two sons and three daughters: Henry J. (married Miss E. S. P. Crossley), Mary A. (wife of Dr. J. H. King, of Clark County), William T. (who married Miss Ann Hollingshead, of Clark County), Zodie (now the wife of D. J. Kennedy, a merchant of Hot Springs) and Mattie. Mr. and Mrs. Runyan are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and the children are members of the same. Mr. Runyan is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in his political views affiliates with the Democratic party. He contributes liberally to all enterprises of importance.