My Genealogy Hound

P. N. Strait, a pioneer planter and general merchant of Magazine Township, was born in Kentucky, December 29, 1840, his parents, Wright and Maria (Ross) Strait, were also born and married in this State, the father’s birth occurring in 1811, and the mother’s in 1814, and were the parents of five children, he whose name heads this sketch being the only son. The senior Strait, a farmer and house-builder, emigrated to Arkansas as early as 1849. Settling in Clark County, he remained here till 1861, when he changed his location to Yell County, and during the succeeding year was killed by bushwhackers, his widow surviving him till 1863. They were members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and for many years he was justice of the peace in his township. Our subject was reared a farmer, which calling he pursued nearly his entire life, and during the troublous times in the sixties, put aside his farm duties for active service in the Federal Army, enlisting in 1862, in Company I, First Arkansas Regiment of Infantry, Samuel M. Bard, captain, and was in the battles of Fayetteville, Poison Springs and a number of skirmishes. Receiving his discharge in August, 1864, he returned to his home and resumed his work on the farm, and is now the prosperous owner of five tracts of land, comprising some 800 acres, 400 highly cultivated, and on which he raises cotton, corn and fruits of all varieties, and in connection with his farm has opened a store, carrying a stock of such goods and wares as are found in a store of general merchandise. Miss Olive Whattey, who was born October 27, 1844, in the State of Mississippi, became his wife in 1865. She was a daughter of James and Sarah Whattey, who followed farming in Georgia. To the union of our subject and wife were born nine children: Emma A. (deceased), Viola (wife of W. L. Dale), William R., Charles W., Jerusha, Bookee, Mathulda, Leona, and an infant (deceased). In 1890 he received his appointment as postmaster, and is well worthy the honor conferred upon him.