My Genealogy Hound

John B. Randle. In giving the history of Clark County and the names of its prominent men, that of John B. Randle should not be omitted. He was born four miles west of Arkadelphia, Clark County, Ark., January 22, 1853, and is the son of Edward and Mary H. (Bozeman) Randle, natives of Georgia and Alabama, respectively, both of whom are still living, residing in Okolona, this county, the former over sixty years of age. Mr. Randle came to Arkansas from Georgia in 1839, locating in Arkadelphia when that town was a hamlet consisting of three shanties. He was an educated man, a lawyer by profession, and had practiced law in Georgia previous to his removal to Arkansas. On arriving in Arkadelphia he immediately resumed the practice of his profession, being the first lawyer in this county, and continued to practice law for several years, when he turned his attention to farming, at which he has since continued. He still practices law successfully in connection with farming. In 1882 he went to Florida, and was in the orange growing business there for three years, but is now a resident of Okolona. He participated in the late war, serving two years east of the Mississippi River, and the balance of the time west of the river, and took part in many battles, Corinth and others. He and wife have been members of the Missionary Baptist Church for many years, and are zealous workers in the same. Mr. Randle is a Mason. Politically he is a thoroughbred Democrat. The family are of Irish descent. Mrs. Randle is the daughter of Col. M. Bozeman, one of the first settlers of the county, who came to Arkansas from Alabama when his daughter was a child of two years, and when this part of Arkansas was a ''howling wilderness.'' He was a prominent citizen and was highly respected by all who knew him. He died in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Randle had a family of fourteen children, seven of whom are still living, the subject of this sketch being the third child. He was reared and educated in this county, working on his father's farm until he had reached his twentieth year, when he commenced farming for himself, and continued farming for five years. In 1879 he entered the employ of E. A. Whitmore, remaining with him for two years, then worked one year for S. Ehrlich; next he was in the employ of Whitmore & Norman for two years, then the Gurdon Lumber Company for three years. He next entered the employ of Whitmore and then Ehrlich. Mr. Ehrlich failed, and he was appointed custodian by the sheriff of Clark County, to close out the stock of goods. In 1887 he was appointed postmaster at Gurdon, and served in this capacity, also carrying a stock of stationery, etc., until August, 1889, when the office was given to a Republican. He has recently built a handsome brick building, and in February of this year opened up a general store, and his prospects for the future are very bright. February 7, 1877, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary E., daughter of Dr. W. J. McAlpin, a native of Tennessee, and the fruits of this union have been two children, viz.: Dixie Snow (who is still living) and Flora Daisy (who died when six years of age). Mrs. Randle is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and is an earnest Christian woman. In secret societies Mr. Randle is a K. of H., being the financial reporter of his lodge, and belongs to the I. O. O. F. Politically he is a stanch Democrat, and is one of the prominent men of this place, taking an active, interest in all enterprises for the good of the community.