My Genealogy Hound

Bunch Brothers. The mercantile interests of Madison County, Ark., are ably represented by the above named firm, which consists of Joel N. and John A. Bunch. They began their mercantile career in Kingston in 1880, and by their industry, honesty and good management have secured a large and lucrative trade. The senior member of the firm, Joel N., was born in Newton County, Ark., in 1856, and received a liberal education in the home schools. In 1875 he engaged in tilling the soil, which occupation he continued until 1880, when he came to Kingston and engaged in merchandising. In 1884 he was elected to represent Madison County in the State Legislature for one term, and served with entire satisfaction to his constituents. He is a Democrat and Mason, being a member of the chapter, and represented his lodge in the Grand Lodge in 1886. February 18, 1875, he was married to Margaret E. Boatright, a daughter of William Boatright, and their union has resulted in the birth of five children, four of whom are living: Alvin B., Ora B., Ola and Virgie E. John A. Bunch, the junior member of the firm, was born in Newton County, Ark., on September 15, 1860, and received a liberal education at Berryville Academy. He worked on a farm the early part of 1880, and was then appointed deputy clerk of Newton County. In the latter part of the same year he came to Kingston and engaged in business with his brother. In 1888 he received the nomination as county clerk by the Democratic convention, and if elected will prove an able and efficient officer. September 7, 1882, he married Ala F. Ogden, a daughter of W. R. Ogden, by whom he has four children: Joel B., Eliza I., Vera Eva, and an infant daughter unnamed. His wife is a member of the Free Will Baptist Church, and he is a member and secretary of the A. F. & A. M., and is a Democrat in politics. The parents of these two gentlemen are Capt. Larkin and Eliza (Maxwell) Bunch. The former was born in Overton County, Tenn., in 1824, and was killed at the battle of Pilot Knob, September 24, 1864. He came with his parents to Newton County, Ark., in 1841, and was always an honest tiller of the soil. During the early portion of the war he was elected captain of a company of State troops, and he soon after organized a company of Confederate troops, and was chosen its captain, and was a participant in many hotly contested battles. He was a Democrat, a Mason and a member of the Baptist Church. His wife was born in Tennessee, and moved with her parents to Illinois, and afterward to Franklin County, Ark. She is still living, the wife of J. C. Reeves, and resides on the old homestead in Newton County, Ark. She and Capt. Bunch became the parents of five children: Stillman B., Joel N., Clarissa E., wife of J. P. Stamps; John A. and William L.