My Genealogy Hound

Dr. William R. Laffoon, retired physician, Monticello, Ark. The career of Dr. Laffoon presents an example of industry, perseverance and good management, rewarded by substantial results, well worthy of imitation by young men of the present day. He was born in Hopkins County, Ky., on November 24, 1832, and his parents, George Washington and Lucinda (Julian) Laffoon, were natives, respectively, of South Carolina and Kentucky. His grandparents, Rutherford and Sarah (Hill) Laffoon, it is supposed, were natives of South Carolina, and his great grandfather, William Laffoon, was of French descent. His great-grandfather, Hill, was a native of England. Rutherford Laffoon moved to Kentucky when his son, G. W., was an infant, and settled in Hopkins County, where he tilled the soil until his death in 1878. G. W. Laffoon was born on June 30, 1810, and has followed agricultural pursuits all his life in Kentucky, Missouri and Illinois. He came to Arkansas in 1882, and is now living with his son, Dr. William R. Laffoon. The mother of our subject died about 1847. Dr. Laffoon was one of six children born to his parents, five of whom are now living: John Henry (farmer of Kentucky), Dr. William R., Mary Elizabeth (deceased), Senate N. (farmer of Kentucky), Sarah R. (married and resides in Kentucky), and Columbus B. (of Kentucky). Dr. Laffoon was educated in his native State, and at an early age manifested a marked taste and preference for information in the direction of the medical profession, and, therefore, it was not strange that he should carry out this purpose in a systematic manner. He first began studying in an office in Kentucky, and later attended the Medical Department of the State University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where he was in close attendance at the breaking out of the war. He then threw aside his books, returned home, and enlisted in the Second Arkansas Cavalry, with which he remained until the close of the war, serving as hospital steward and assistant surgeon. The principal battles in which he participated were Nashville, Murfreesboro and Shiloh, although he was in other minor engagements. After cessation of hostilities Dr. Laffoon came to Arkansas, and began the practice of his profession, but soon gave that up and began farming, which occupation he has since continued. He bought his present property, consisting of 280 acres of land, with about seventy-five acres under cultivation, in 1880, and his principal crop is cotton. He was married in 1865 to Miss Mary Ann Ragland, a native of Meriwether County, Ga., born April 9, 1832, and the daughter of John and Charity (Cress) Ragland, natives of North Carolina. To Dr. and Mrs. Laffoon were born four children, three now living: Arvilla L. (born September 17, 1868), Lulu W. (born February 26, 1871), and William Nash (born May 2, 1873). Mr. Laffoon is a Democrat in politics, is a member of the County Wheel, and is well and favorably known throughout the county. Mrs. Laffoon is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.