My Genealogy Hound

James H. Garner was born in Tennessee, in 1834, and is a son of John Garner, whose native State was North Carolina, where he was born on the 1st of August, 1808. In his youth he removed to Tennessee with his parents, and in this State he received the advantages of the common schools, and as far back as he could remember he had been familiar with farm work. In 1831 his marriage with Miss Sarah B. Greer was celebrated, she being a daughter of Joshua and Polly Greer. Five sons and three daughters were born to John Garner and wife: William T., Washington L., Edward P., John D., Mary E., Francis and Lucy C. Mr. Garner removed from Tennessee to Izard County, Ark., in 1858, and purchased a farm of eighty acres, which he successfully conducted until his death on the 21st of August, 1872. His wife, who was born in Tennessee, February 19, 1816, still lives on the old homestead, and both were members of the Christian Church. James H. Garner’s youth was spent in his native State, and in 1859 he followed his father to Izard County, Ark., and purchased a woodland farm of 120 acres near him. On this he built a house and established his family, and in time became able to purchase 280 acres more, of which he has 150 acres under the plow. On this he raises corn and cotton, and as a large portion of his farm is under laid with mineral ore it is very valuable. He has now in process of erection a commodious frame residence on his Piney Creek farm, and in looking over Mr. Garner’s domains it can easily be seen that he thoroughly understands his business and is thrifty and energetic. He was married to Miss Mary E. Murphy, a daughter of Gilston Murphy, of Illinois, and by her has a family of seven children: John R., Nathan F., William L., Jessie B., James E., Henry B., Thomas F. and Edwin L. When the war broke out he joined Company E, and was two years in the infantry under Capt. Gibson, and from that time until the close of the war he was in the cavalry under Capt. Powell. He was at Little Rock, Independence and Kansas City, and surrendered at Jacksonport in 1865. He is a Democrat in his political views, and from 1872 to 1876 served as justice of the peace; in 1887 he was appointed deputy sheriff under R. L. Sanders, of Izard County. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, having been Master of his lodge two years.