My Genealogy Hound

Douglas Jordan. Perhaps there is no man within the limits of Desha County, Ark., who is better known as a successful farmer than Mr. Jordan, for he is recognized as a man of progressive spirit, energy and clear perception, and his enterprises have in nearly every instance resulted satisfactorily. He was born in Montgomery County, Tenn., in 1856, and was there reared to manhood, his educational advantages extending over the early part of his life. He entered Hazlewood College when he was twelve years of age, and was a constant attendant of that institution until he was sixteen years of age, at which time he graduated with first honors. After his return home he assisted his father until he attained his majority, and owing to the excellent education that he had received and his knowledge of agricultural life, he was at that time well-fitted to commence life for himself. After managing a plantation for two years in his native State he came to Desha County, Ark., and for five years was the manager of a large estate belonging to Mr. Keene, of New York. Upon the death of his employer, in 1885, he rented the same farm, and managed it for himself for five years longer, then purchased a farm of his own, erected thereon a residence, and since that time has been cultivating his own land. He owns 500 acres, but has only a small portion of it cleared and under cultivation, but rents enough tillable land to keep him busy during the year, raising on an average 300 bales of cotton each season. He gives considerable attention to the raising of stock, in which industry he has been quite successful. He was married, in 1881, to Miss Nannie Placher, a daughter of Cornelius and Isabella (Darden) Placher, of Tennessee, and by her has a family of three children: Emily R., Mary I. (deceased), and Mylie D. Mr. Jordan is an active Democrat, and during the last election made a most creditable race for sheriff of his county, but is not alone interested in politics, as all worthy enterprises receive his hearty support. He and wife are worthy members of the Christian Church. His parents, Mylie and Charlotte (Galay) Jordan, were born in North Carolina and Illinois, respectively, the former’s birth occurring in 1823. In 1841 he removed to Montgomery, Tenn., and there became in time a successful planter. He was married, in 1854, and he and wife became the parents of eight children: Douglas, Margaret L., Sarah J., Mary, Alice, Annie, Nellie and Turnley, all of whom are married with the exception of Nellie and Turnley, who still live with their parents. The father is a member of the Methodist Church, is still residing near Clarksville, Tenn., and although sixty-six years of age he is remarkably well preserved. He is a prominent Mason, having taken all the degrees in that ancient order, and having lived a strictly honorable and useful life; he is honored and esteemed by all, and has a record of which he may justly be proud. He has been a church member since quite a young man, and has lived a consistent Christian life, and has endeavored to follow, in every respect, the teachings of the Golden Rule. His wife is now fifty-one years of age, is a member of the Christian Church, and an exemplary lady in every respect.