My Genealogy Hound

S. H. Wren is the oldest living pioneer of Izard County, and was born in Warren County, Ky., (near Bowling Green) in 1824, and at the age of six years was brought by his parents, James and Elizabeth (Hightower) Wren, to Izard County. James Wren was born in North Carolina, and in 1819 moved to Kentucky, and settled in Warren County, where he engaged in farming, and lived until the above mentioned date, at which date he located in Arkansas, near Lunenburg, and gave his attention to farming. He served as justice of the peace of the county several terms, and held the office of county judge from 1842 to 1847, having no opponents during this time. He was also elected to the office of county trustee, to distribute the international and school fund for the purpose of improving the public roads, there being three candidates, and Mr. Wren received every vote polled in the county with the exception of one — the only case of the kind on the county records. He was popular with all, and justly so, for he was ever very public-spirited, and his efforts in aiding in the improvement of the county will always be highly appreciated. His death, which occurred on the 28th of April, 1888, at the age of ninety-seven years and twenty-eight days, was much regretted by all who knew him. He had been a member of the Missionary Baptist Church from the time he was thirty-two years of age until his death, and in his political views was a Jeffersonian Democrat, and during the war a leading Secessionist. His wife, who was born in the “Palmetto State,” died on the 6th of June, 1883, at the age of eighty-eight years. Their son, S. H. Wren, began life for himself at the age of twenty years, first as a farmer, and October 6, 1845, he moved to the Platte Purchase, in Missouri, remaining there about one year. Upon his return to Izard County, Ark., he was engaged in rafting lumber for two years. In 1861 he was living in Fulton County, Ark., and was a candidate on the Union ticket for a seat in the convention opposed to secession, and was victorious over his opponent, but the county clerk gave the certificate of election to the defeated candidate. The race was made three times, and each time Mr. Wren secured the greatest number of votes, but before the case was finally settled the State seceded. Owing to the views held by Mr. Wren in regard to secession, he was arrested and tried for treason to the Confederate government, the trial being held at Little Rock, before Judge Ringo, but he was acquitted after they had examined two prosecuting witnesses. He then returned home, in February, 1862, and remained here until the arrival of Gen. Curtis, when he went to Rolla, Mo., and remained connected with the Union army for two years, selling goods at Batesville. After his return home, at the close of the war, he found all his buildings and fences destroyed, but he set to work to again improve his property, and now has his farm, which consists of 120 acres, well improved with good buildings, and has eighty-one acres under the plow. He has owned 1,200 acres, but has lost the most of it in going security for his friends. His wife owns 146 acres, with 100 acres under cultivation. He was elected to the office of justice of the peace two terms, making six years in all, and during that time did not have a decision reversed or a change of venue taken, and not a cent was charged up to the State of Arkansas. He is a Republican in his political views, but usually votes for whom he considers the best man, regardless of party. He has been twice married, the first time to Miss Nancy J. Hayley, in 1854, and of six children born to them, three are deceased: James M., William C., and Martha J. (Mrs. James Cole) living in Franklin County, Ark. Mrs. Wren was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and died in 1865. Mr. Wren’s second union took place on the 24th of November, 1867, his wife being a Miss Margaret Evans, and of nine children born to them, four are living: W. G., S. R., Thomas H. and Mary C. Mrs. Wren is a member of the Christian Church, and he is a member of the I. O. O. F., and the Agricultural Wheel, taking a warm interest in commendable enterprises.