My Genealogy Hound

William Jolly was born in Beaufort County, N. C., in 1844, being the son of Isaiah and Senia (Williams) Jolly, natives of the same State. He came to Arkansas with his parents in 1852, locating in the eastern part of St. Francis County. His schooling was limited to a few months in the district school, as he was obliged to assist his father on the farm, and when twenty-two years old he purchased a farm near the home place in 1867, being married to Miss Mattie Cummings, a daughter of Sam and Martha Cummings, of Tennessee. Mr. Cummings was among the early settlers of the county. To Mr. Jolly’s marriage five children were born: Samuel E., Katie Sliza, Lee A., Georgia Beulah and Julius H. He enlisted in 1862 in Company A, McNeil’s regiment, of the Confederate army, participating in the engagements of Jenkins’ Ferry, Helena, Little Rock, Mansfield and Prairie Grove. At the battle of Helena he received a wound, but which did not prove serious. He surrendered at Marshall, Tex., and returned to his home, resuming his occupation of farming, and accepting the results of the war, as a final adjustment of the difficulties between the North and South, Mr. Jolly cheerfully turned his attention to the recovery of his lost fortune, though his entire stock in trade consisted of $1.25, which he obtained from a Yankee in exchange for Confederate money. His success was swift and sure, and in 1868 he located on his present farm, numbering 125 acres, cleared and in a fine state of cultivation. A beautiful residence with all the modern improvements, gives evidence of his spirit of progress and prosperity. He is a member of the Masonic order, and a Knight of Honor, a Democrat in his political views, and with his wife a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Jolly contributes most generously to all public movements, and is one of the representative men of the county, commanding the respect of the entire community.