My Genealogy Hound

J. H. Hammock, county and circuit clerk, Monticello, Ark. Were one to ask the leading characteristics of Mr. Hammock as a man the answer would come almost involuntarily that he is a safe, cautious person, unpretending, but well informed, universally esteemed, and of unswerving integrity, a man who has been tried but not found wanting, and one capable of discharging his official and private duties with competency. He was born in what is now Drew County, Ark., November 8, 1841, and is a son of Abraham and Martha (Van Landingham) Hammock, the father a native of Georgia and the mother of Alabama, the latter of French origin. Abraham Hammock came to Arkansas in 1839, making the trip overland in wagons, and settled in what was then Union County (now Drew) within eight miles north of Monticello. He entered land from the Government where all was wild and unsettled, opened a farm, and there remained until 1850, when he sold out and moved to the Lone Star State. Three years later he returned to this State and purchased a farm adjoining his old homestead, where he tilled the soil until too old to look after it longer. He is now seventy-five years of age, and is living a retired life. He was born February, 1814. The mother died in 1871. They were the parents of eight children, five now living: John H., Josephine (in Texas), Rufus M. (in Texas), Edward T. and Hettie (wife of L. E. Hake, deputy clerk). The Hammock family is one of the oldest in Drew County, and settled in the wilderness at a very early period. The first grist mill was on the old homestead, and was operated by horse-power. J. H. Hammock attained his growth and received his education in Drew County, and was early initiated into the mysteries of farm life. In 1861 he enlisted in Company I, First Arkansas Regiment, commanded by Capt. J. A. Jackson, and participated in all the principal engagements up to the retreat from Chattanooga. He was wounded at Ringgold, Ga., in the retreat, by a gunshot in the right elbow, and was confined in the hospital for three months. He was with Gen. Bragg on his raid through Kentucky, and held the commission of orderly sergeant. Returning home in 1865 he was elected to the office of sheriff the following year, but was displaced when reconstruction came about. In 1874 he was elected to the same office, and so great was his popularity, and so well did he fill the position, that he was re-elected until 1886, twelve consecutive years. In 1888 he was elected to his present office, which he fills in a capable and efficient manner. He owns a valuable farm on Bayou Bartholomew, and is a prosperous and progressive citizen. He was married, November 1, 1866, to Miss Lizzie Roddy, a native of South Carolina, who bore him four children, all sons: Willie R., Ernest G., John A. and Charles H. Mr. Hammock is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the K. of H., and he and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.