My Genealogy Hound

C. M. Gentry, one of the best known planters in Grant County, residing seven miles southeast of Sheridan, was born in Limestone County, Ala., September 1, 1828, and is one of eight children born to William and Elizabeth (McFerrin) Gentry of North Carolina and Tennessee, respectively. The parents were married in the latter State, and of eight children born to their union there are only three living: Evaline (Norton), William H. Gentry and C. M., the principal of this sketch. The father was a successful farmer and school teacher, and part of his life had been devoted to mechanical pursuits. He served with distinction through the War of 1812 and took part in many a hard fought battle. In religious belief he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, while his excellent wife belonged to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The mother died in 1835 and the father followed her to the grave in 1839. C. M. Gentry first came to Arkansas in 1835 and was educated in the common schools of his neighborhood. On September 20, 1855 he was married to Miss Clara A. Jones, a daughter of Aaron and Jane Jones. Seven children were born to this union of whom there are four living, and all residing in Grant County: William A., Francis E. (Barnes), Clara A. and Alchley A. (Jackson). Mr. Gentry having been left a widower by the death of his first wife, July 14, 1867, was united in marriage to Mrs. Mary R Gordon, a charming widow and daughter of Rev. Elam and Margaret Wallace. Two boys and two girls were born to this union: Ellen L. and Thomas B. (twins, the former dying when thirteen days old), Amelia E. (Lybrand) and Calvin E. Mr. Gentry is a minister of the Gospel and a school-teacher by occupation, but farms considerably. He owns about 169 acres of very productive land and has placed some thirty-five acres under cultivation. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Wheel, and has held the office of secretary of his Masonic lodge for some time and his membership dates back for twenty-eight years. In religious faith both he and wife belong to the Methodist Church and are liberal contributors to all religious and educational enterprises.