My Genealogy Hound

James Strong, an extensive farmer and stock-raiser of Manchester Township, Clark County, was born in Arkansas, in 1841, of English descent. His father, Nathan Strong, participated in the Creek and Seminole War. He was a farmer by occupation, and came to Arkansas in 1837 among the first settlers of this section, bought land in Clark County for $3 per acre, made his home in this county, and resided here until his death in 1863. The mother died in June, 1889, aged eighty-eight years. The subject of this sketch was reared in Arkansas, and received a liberal education. In the spring of 1862 he entered the army, enlisting in Company C, First Trans-Mississippi, under Col. Pleasant. He was first employed in the adjutant's office, but afterward attained a lieutenancy in Company C. The first engagement in which he took part was that of Prairie Grove. After this he was in many skirmishes, but in no pitched battles. His regiment disbanded at Red River. In the spring of 1866 he entered the Mississippi University, remaining there until June, 1868, then left college and engaged in agricultural pursuits, in which he has continued ever since. He is the owner of 3,500 acres of land, 150 acres of which he rents, and 100 acres he cultivates himself, devoting his attention principally to the cultivation of cotton and corn; of the former he averages one-half bale and the latter fifteen bushels to the acre. In connection with his farming interests, he is the proprietor of a saw-mill, and also runs a public gin. In his political views Mr. Strong affiliates with the Democratic party. In 1888 he was elected tax assessor, and is at present serving in that capacity. He was married, in 1881, to Mrs. Whittaker, widow of J. A. Whittaker, and daughter of Samuel W. Smith; both of her parents are dead. The fruits of this union were two children, Susie S. and Samuel S. (Mrs. Strong has one child by her previous marriage, Jodie A. Whittaker, who is also a member of Mr. Strong's household.) Mrs. Strong is a worthy member of the Methodist Church. February 20, 1886, Mr. Strong lost a fine house on the site of his present home. He has always taken an active interest in all public enterprises, is a successful farmer and a good citizen.