My Genealogy Hound

Maj. William Deen. One of the men who has contributed much to the development of Jackson County is Maj. Deen, a prominent planter and stock raiser of the county. He was born in Anson County, N. C., on February 18, 1825, and was the fourth in a family of eight children born to Reddick and Martha (Morre) Deen, both natives of the same State. The father was also a planter in Anson County, and during the earlier history of that county was a prominent figure in politics. The Major was reared on a farm, and educated in the district schools of his birthplace. In 1843 he was married to Miss Rebecca Price, from the same State, who subsequently died after a happy married life, leaving him one child, John, who is now a prominent physician and surgeon in Texas. In 1855 Maj. Deen was again married, in Anson County, his second wife being Miss Ann Lilly, and two years later he moved with his bride to Kemper County, Miss., where he bought a plantation, and became a leading citizen of that county, being at one time commissioned on the relief committee to look after the destitute of that section. In 1869 he moved to Woodruff County, Ark., and two years afterward bought a timber tract of 320 acres, which was slightly improved. He has continued to improve the land and add to it on different occasions, until now he owns about 1,080 acres, and has some 400 acres under cultivation. His principal crops are corn and cotton, and he also raises some stock. Maj. Deen is not a very active politician, but he takes a deep interest in all matters that augur for the welfare of his county, and is very liberal in his aid toward all enterprises, which, in his judgment, will make it one of the foremost in the State. The Major and his wife, who both attend the Missionary Baptist Church, have had eight children born to their union: Marcus L. (residing in Texas), William T., Laura (now Mrs. McCauley), Fannie (also married), Benjamin and Simeon, all residing in the same township with their father except Marcus. Maj. Deen has been a valuable citizen to the community, and one whose efforts in building up his county have been well appreciated.