My Genealogy Hound

Wiley B. Huddleston has become closely identified with the progress and development of Independence County, Ark. He was born in McNairy County, West Tenn., March 2, 1843, and is one of six surviving members of a family of eleven children born to W. P. and Sarah Huddleston, who were also Tennesseans, the former’s birth occurring in Claiborne County. He was a farmer and teacher by occupation, and in both callings became well and favorably known. He emigrated to Arkansas in the year 1849, and settled in Independence County, eight miles northeast of Batesville, where he endured the privations incident to pioneer life. He was an active member of the Baptist Church for a period of forty-five years, filling many important stations, among which were the positions of deacon, clerk of the association, church clerk, and licensed minister. He filled several civil offices with dignity to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He died May 1, 1877, in his sixty-seventh year. Sarah, his wife, survived him nine years, and died April 2, 1886, in her seventy-third year. She was a consistent member of the Baptist Church for more than thirty-five years, and died in the full triumph of a living faith. Wiley B. Huddleston was reared in Independence County, Ark., receiving the greater part of his education near Rolla, Mo. After returning home he was married to Miss Martha H. Wainwright, a native of Arkansas. Soon after this event he settled on a farm consisting of 134 acres, which yields annually a golden harvest of the diversified products of this climate. This result has enabled him to become an independent and prosperous citizen. To him and his worthy companion eight children were born, of whom six were boys and two girls. Six are now living. He is a member of the institution of F. & A. M., and has filled a number of stations in the order with credit to himself and satisfaction to his lodge. He is a member of organized labor. He was formerly identified, politically, with the Republican party but is now a non-partisan, and votes for men and measures, and not for party. He and his wife, Martha H., are members of the Baptist Church.