My Genealogy Hound

R. H. Black, attorney, Pocahontas, Ark. As a leading citizen of Pocahontas in its professional, business and social life, lending eminent strength to her bar, tone to her finance and grace to her society, Mr. Black commands attention from the pen of the historian who would wish to do this city justice. He owes his nativity to Randolph County, Ark., and is a son of William Black, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. He grew to manhood on his father’s farm at Black’s Ferry, in Randolph County, securing his education in the private schools of the county and at Shelbyville, Ky. He was admitted to the bar in 1866, and has been actively engaged in the practice ever since. He has been for two terms presiding attorney of the Second Judicial District of Arkansas, and in 1879 he represented Randolph County in the General Assembly, one term. In 1861, when the war-cloud hung heavy over the United States, Mr. Black enlisted in the First Arkansas Cavalry, C. S. A., commanded by ex-Gov. Churchill, as private, and was made lieutenant after the second year. He served until May 14, 1864, when, at the battle of Resaca, Ga., he had the misfortune to lose his right arm by a gun-shot wound, which disabled him from further service. He participated in the battles of Chickamauga, Murfreesboro and Richmond, Ky. and numerous other battles. After being discharged he came back to Pocahontas, began the study of law, was afterward admitted to the bar and opened office here. His marriage with Miss Virginia L. Criddle, a native of Jackson, Cape Girardeau County, Mo., occurred on November 14, 1867, and to them were born five children: Edward, Marvin, Waldo, Blanche and Ina. Mrs. Black died on the 26th of December, 1880, in full faith with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Mr. Black is a member of the I. O. O. F. and is not only a pleasant gentleman in the social walks of life, but is also among the first in his profession. He and his children are the owners of about 1,000 acres of land.