My Genealogy Hound

William Mayes, the son of Edward and Mahala J. (Jones) Mayes, was born in East Tennessee in 1832. His parents were both natives of Tennessee and the father followed agricultural pursuits for many years, but toward the latter part of his life followed merchandising in Tennessee. He died in 1863. William Mayes was educated in his native State, and assisted his father on the farm until twenty-one years of age. In 1852 he married Miss Louisa Joyce, a native of Tennessee, and to that union were born twelve children, ten now living: Samuel (who married Miss Cynthia Johnson), Robert J. (who married Miss P. M. Needley), Albert W. (who married Miss Mary Stowball), J. L. (who married Miss Mattie Allen), Thomas (who married Miss A. M. Hash), Louisa (wife of Alex. Neal), Allie (wife of Obadiah Harden), Louie and John. Mr. Mayes enlisted in Company A, First Arkansas United States Infantry, under Capt. Rundal, in 1862, and served until the close of the war. He was in several skirmishes, and was at the battle of Prairie Grove, but was fortunate enough to escape unhurt. After the termination of hostilities Mr. Mayes returned to his home in Washington County, Ark., where he had moved in 1858, and here purchased a farm. He now has about 165 acres, well improved and about seventy­five acres under cultivation. He was appointed justice of the peace of Brush Creek Township by the governor of Arkansas before the reconstruction, and has filled this office ever since. He is a member of the G. A. R. and Odd Fellow’s lodges, and he and wife and children are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.