My Genealogy Hound

James H. Walkup, one of the pioneer settlers of Riley Township, came to this county in November, 1860, and has resided here ever since. He was formerly a resident of Mississippi. He bought 120 acres of land, improved it and made other purchases at different times since the war, until he now owns 780 acres, a great portion of which is improved, and upon which he has built comfortable dwellings, barns, etc. James H. Walkup was born in Union County, N. C., March 21, 1823, the son of David M. and Jane (Huey) Walkup, natives of the two Carolinas, and was reared within a few miles from Gen. Jackson’s birthplace. Remaining in his native home until he was twenty-two years old, he had very few educational advantages, but in later years read a great deal, and in this way became well posted. On leaving his home he went to South Carolina, remaining twelve years, taking a position as overseer. He married Miss M. T. Ranson in South Carolina, removing from there to Mississippi early in 1857, where he put in four crops, and then came to Yell County, as above stated. At the opening of the war he enlisted and remained until he was compelled to go home on account of sickness, but in October, 1863, he entered the Federal service in the Third Arkansas Cavalry, under Capt. Eddington, but later Lieut. Peas took command; then Col. Ryan and Lieut. Col. Fuller, commanding the regiment. They were detailed as a guard along the Arkansas River. Mr. Walkup was in quite a number of skirmishes, being discharged June 30, 1865, when he returned home and once more turned his attention to farming and cotton-raising. Mrs. Walkup is a daughter of William and C. (Taylor) Ranson, natives of Ireland and South Carolina, respectively. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Walkup, namely: Mary E. (wife of C. P. Hudson), William A., Jane Alice, Parilla A., Robert L., Lou, Ida, Huey B., and Julia E. (deceased). Mr. Walkup, with his wife and five children, are members of theAssociate Reformed Presbyterian Church, of which he is an elder. He has been a school director some time, and in politics affiliates with the Democratic party.