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Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Lawrence County, Arkansas published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1889.  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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Hon. Joseph B. Judkins, a name well known and respected throughout Lawrence County, was born in what is now De Kalb County, on March 1, 1837. He is a son of Hon. William H. and Sarah (Roberts) Judkins, natives of Virginia, where the elder Judkins was a farmer of considerable magnitude. The father first moved to North Carolina, and from there to the State of Tennessee, and about the year 1850 he settled in Lawrence County, Ark., where his son, Joseph B., now resides. He was elected to the State senate of Arkansas, and was a member of that body at the time of his death, in 1854, and previous to that event had held the office of justice of the peace for twelve years. Joseph B. Judkins came to Arkansas with his father when fourteen years of age, and remained with him up to the time of his death. He then lived with his mother until he had attained his manhood, and bought the land upon which he now resides. When he first came upon it the land was entirely new, and he immediately set to work clearing and building upon it, so that now he has some 150 acres cleared and under cultivation, owning altogether about 520 acres. Mr. Judkins also owns two fine orchards of apples and peaches, upon which he has spent a large amount of time and care to bring to a state of perfection, and thus far his labor has been rewarded. In 1862 he enlisted in the Confederate service, becoming a member of the Twenty-fifth Arkansas Infantry, and gave valuable and efficient aid to the cause until the close of the war. He was at the battles of Richmond, Ky., Stone River and Chickamauga, and was also present at the siege and surrender of Atlanta. Altogether he was engaged in about twenty-five battles, besides several minor skirmishes. On his first entrance into the army he held the rank of orderly sergeant, but by his bravery he soon won the ranks of lieutenant and captain, respectively. He commanded the regiment as senior captain in thirteen engagements, and was twice wounded, each time while gallantly leading his men before a superior force. After the war was over, and his surrender at Jacksonport, he returned to his home and farm, and on July 8, 1856, was married to Miss Susan A. Phillips, a daughter of Alfred and Ann Phillips; she had captured the gallant soldier’s heart, and found for him a haven of peace after his stormy career through the war. Seven children were born to this happy union: Alfred L., William H., Josie W. (wife of George A. Dungan), all of them married, and Charles F., Augustus H. G., Horace H. and David W., single. Mr. Judkins is an Odd Fellow, and in politics is a strong believer of Democratic principles, supporting his party on every occasion where his valuable aid was needed. He was elected sheriff of his county in 1809, and on the expiration of his term was re-elected and served four consecutive years. Two years succeeding he was elected and served as assessor, and then represented his county in the legislature. In 1876 he was elected to the State senate, and after serving in that body four years, was re-elected as a member of the Arkansas legislature, and for ten years comprised one of that body. He retired from political life in 1886, but still takes an active part in the affairs of his county. His record in the political field is one of brilliancy and honor, and few men have ever served the interests of their party to a better advantage than did Mr. Judkins.

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This family biography is one of 111 biographies included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Lawrence County, Arkansas published in 1889.  View the complete description here: Lawrence County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

View additional Lawrence County, Arkansas family biographies here: Lawrence County, Arkansas Biographies

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