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Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Sevier County, Arkansas published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1890.  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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H. C. Williamson, merchant, Lockesburg, Ark. Mr. Williamson began business in Lockesburg in March, 1870, under the firm title of John P. Lowery & Co., and was associated with this firm for one year. In 1871 he formed a partnership with Capt. B. F. Forney, and this continued for two years. During the year 1873, he was not in business other than collecting old accounts, etc. In 1874 he commenced in his own name, continued two years, and in 1876 associated with his brother, E. G. Williamson, which firm now exists. In 1874 Mr. Williamson had about $1,500 invested in his business, and the trade increased from year to year. He now carries a stock of goods valued at from $8,000 to $10,000 and does a $40,000 business. He deals in general merchandise and supplies. H. C. Williamson was born September 1, 1844, in Washington, Hempstead County, and is a son of Thomas Williamson, a native of Darlington District, S. C, who came to Hempstead County in 1836. The paternal grandfather, Thomas Williamson, was of English parentage, and was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Thomas Williamson, Jr., was married in Carolina in 1832 to Miss Mary B. Crenshaw, after which he moved to Alabama, and thence to Arkansas. He raised a family of sixteen children, four of whom are now living, three in Lockesburg, and C. W. is in Falls County, Tex. The father and mother both died in Hempstead County, the former in 1858, and the latter in 1860. The father was for twenty years a member of the Methodist Church, as was also his wife. H. C. Williamson attained his growth on his father’s farm, and early in life his opportunities for an education were limited. When thirteen years of age he was sent to McKensie College at Clarksville, Tex., and remained there until June 1, 1861, when he came home and enlisted in Company K, Twelfth Arkansas Infantry, with E. K. Williamson as captain. Until the battle of Shiloh he was east of the Mississippi River, and after this he came home on a furlough. Later he rejoined his regiment at Port Hudson, and was there taken a prisoner, came home on parole, but was exchanged shortly afterward. He returned to the army in 1863, and from that time on was principally in Arkansas and Louisiana. He participated in the following engagements: Belmont, Port Hudson and Jenkins’ Ferry. He was slightly wounded on the left shoulder at Port Hudson. He is one of the few men who entered the service as a private and came out ranking the same way. He surrendered with his command at Marshall, Tex., after which he came home and tilled the soil for three years. His father had accumulated about $75,000 or $100,000, but this was all swept away during the war, and in 1869 the outlook appearing very gloomy for a farmer, Mr. Williamson turned his thoughts toward merchandising. He invested $500 in fancy groceries, which comprised his worldly goods, and started out in that business. He has been quite successful, and now besides considerable property in town, comprising a steam and grist-mill, store, dwelling, etc, he is the owner of from 5,000 to 6,000 acres of land. In 1872 he espoused Miss Mary Flowers, of Sevier County, and to them have been born six children— three sons and three daughters: Louisa E., Florence E., Grace, Earl H., Elmer C. and Walter. Mrs. Williamson is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr. Williamson takes an active interest in all movements for the material benefit of his county and town. He has always been a stanch Democrat in his political views.

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This family biography is one of 96 biographies included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Sevier County, Arkansas published in 1890.  For the complete description, click here: Sevier County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

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