My Genealogy Hound

Constantine H. Medlock, a substantial and leading agriculturist of Saline County, was born in Hardeman County, West Tenn., in 1835, and is a son of Judge John A. and Mary (Forsyth) Medlock, of whom a sketch will be found in the biography of Dr. B. S. Medlock. Constantine H. was reared from boyhood in Tippah County, Miss., and received his education in the log-cabin schools of that period. He was married in 1855 to Nancy J., a daughter of Philip and Sarah Smith, the father a native of Kentucky and the mother born in Alabama, in which State she also died. Mr. Smith was married three times during his life, and shortly after the death of his second wife in 1859 he removed to Columbia County, Ark., where he was again married, and resided until his death in 1871. Mrs. Medlock died in 1863, and three children born to her marriage also died within a short time afterward. In September, 1863, Mr. Medlock was married to Maria L., a daughter of Philip M. and Maria Smith, and a half-sister to his first wife. This union gave them two children: James F. (who died in 1865) and Laura V. (who died in 1885). Mr. Medlock’s first occupation was in being employed as overseer in Mississippi, where he remained until 1859, when he came to Saline County and located six miles west of Benton. In 1868 he moved to Collegeville, and in 1879 came to his present farm about one and one-half miles from that place, where he owns 120 acres of very fertile land and has some sixty acres under cultivation. During the rebellion he served in the Confederate army, and was a member of Gen. Fagan’s escort until after the battle of Helena. He was then assigned to Company B, of Col. Crawford’s regiment of cavalry, and operated in Missouri, Arkansas and Texas, holding the rank of sergeant, and later that of forage master. He took part in the battles at Helena, Poison Springs, Marks’ Mill, Prairie Grove, Jenkins’ Ferry, and many hard skirmishes, and also had four brothers in the war, all of whom are yet living: John F. (was captured and confined at Camp Douglas for a long time, and was not released until sometime after the war was ended), James N. [is referred to below], Washington K. (served a short time during the last days of the war, and is now residing in Garland County), the only sister, Susannah V., is the wife of M. C. O’Bryan, a well-known merchant at Hot Springs. In politics Mr. Medlock is a stanch Democrat, but was formerly a Whig, and cast his first presidential vote for Filmore, in 1856. He served about eight years in Owens Township as justice of the peace, and filled the office in a dignified and entirely satisfactory manner. In secret societies he is a member of Mabelvale Lodge No. 353, A. F. & A. M., and has been warden of his lodge. He attends the Methodist Church, as does also Mrs. Medlock, and both are liberal contributors to all religious and educational enterprises.