My Genealogy Hound

Francis M. Spradlin is a planter of White River Township, whose operations are extensive and lucrative. Born in Coweta County, Ga., October 22, 1830, he is the son of David and Sarah (Stone) Spradlin, also natives of Georgia. In the year 1845 Mr. and Mrs. Spradlin immigrated to Arkansas, and located in what is now Woodruff County near White Church, making one of the first entries of land in this part of the State. There were no improvements whatever on the land, and they camped out until they could build, their home for many years being a little log-cabin covered with clap-boards. Of the family of eleven children born to them only four are now living: Francis M., Missouri, William I. and Susan Hariston. Mr. Spradlin was a quiet, unassuming man, and liberal in his contributions, but many of his generous deeds were never known to the outside world. His death in 1856 was lamented by all who knew him. Mrs. Spradlin only survived her husband two years. Francis M. Spradlin was fourteen years old when he came to Arkansas, and the education that he received was given him in Georgia, as there were no schools in this county at that time. His youthful days were spent in helping to clear away the forest of his parents’ new home, and in 1861 he left the quiet monotony of the old homestead to enlist in Company E, Col. Gause’s regiment, serving until the final surrender. He has resided on the farm where he now lives for twenty-eight years, and his recitals of the many inconveniences and privations endured years ago, and the improvements up to the present day, sound almost incredulous. In this place are 160 acres of land highly cultivated, and he also has an interest in a tract of 240 acres partially improved. In 1872 Mr. Spradlin erected a cotton-gin, which was run with horse-power until 1885, after which he has put in an eighteen-horse-power engine, and has successfully conducted it since that time. Mr. Spradlin was first married in 1857 to Miss Amanda Hubbard, and the second time to Josephine Scott, in 1863. His third wife was Miss Martha Thomas, by whom he has one child living, Columbus. Mr. Spradlin was married in 1872 to Miss Sarah Childress, and to their union two children were born: Norella and Wyatt. Mr. Spradlin is a member of the Baptist Church, and has served as magistrate for fourteen years. He is a prosperous and well-to-do farmer, and is worthy the respect and esteem shown him by the entire community.