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Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Drew County, Arkansas published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1890.  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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John J. Whitaker, dealer in harness, saddlery, etc., Monticello, Ark. Holding a prominent position among those engaged in the handling of saddlery, harness, etc., stands the name of John J. Whitaker, who is a prominent business man and highly respected. Mr. Whitaker was born in Fayette County, Tenn., in September, 1846, and is the son of J. W. and Juliet H. (Crook) Whitaker, the father a native of Maury County, Tenn., and the mother of South Carolina. The father was an early settler of Fayette County, Tenn., and was one of the most prominent planters in the western part of that State. He was the leading spirit of the Democratic party, but was never an aspirant to any office. He was the owner of a great deal of land and many slaves. Both he and wife died in Tennessee. They had nine children, six of whom are now living, viz.: Mrs. Izard (of Forest City, Ark.), Benjamin H., Frank W., John J., Thomas and Mrs. Richard (of Summerville, Tenn.). John J. Whitaker, when old enough, was taught the duties of farm life, and received his education in the schools of Summerville. In 1864 he enlisted in Capt. Bell’s company of cavalry, Twelfth Tennessee Regiment, which was consolidated and thrown into Forrest’s regiment, and he was an escort for Brig. Gen. Campbell, surrendering at Gainesville, Ala., under Gen. Forrest. Returning home after the war, he there remained until 1881, when he engaged in the stock business, and became one of the largest dealers in West Tennessee, shipping to Louisville. He followed this for about four years, and engaged in a general market at Summerville, Tenn. His farm not being well kept up, he went back and had it well improved, and there remained for two years. He then sold out everything, his entire interest, and in the spring of 1889 moved to Monticello, Ark. There he embarked in his present business. He carries a good stock of harness, etc., and is a prosperous business man. On leaving Tennessee he was a member of Phelan Knight Guards and sergeant of the same. He was married, in 1868, to Miss Lucy J. Strickland, by whom he has three children: Evaline, Joel H. and Cora. Mr. Whitaker is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

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This family biography is one of 83 biographies included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Drew County, Arkansas published in 1890.  For the complete description, click here: Drew County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

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