My Genealogy Hound

Capt. W. A. Joyce, the well-known Newport druggist, was born in Memphis, Tenn., on the 20th of February, 1847, and is a son of William and Alcena (Austin) Joyce, the former a native of Kentucky, and the latter of Nashville, Tenn. The parents were married in the latter State, and made their residence in Memphis at an early day, where the father was a prominent physician, being a graduate of the Botanical College of that city. Previous to practicing medicine, he was a steam-boatman, and at that period owned one of the largest standard steamers that plied on the river, besides having an interest in several other large boats. About 1850 he moved to Augusta, Ark., and from there to Jacksonport, where he was among the earlier settlers of that city, and one of its first physicians, residing there until his death, in 1855. The mother is still living, and makes her home in the State of Indiana. She was twice married, bearing two children by her first marriage, only one of whom survives, Sarah Dollis. Her second union resulted in two children, of whom W. A. is the only survivor. He was but three years old on his arrival in Arkansas, and was principally reared in Jacksonport, but received his education at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was at the outbreak of the war. In 1864, although still quite young, he enlisted in Capt. Bateman’s company, and served until the fall of Little Rock, taking part in the battle of Helena, Little Rock and several skirmishes. After the war was over, he resumed steam-boating (which he had commenced in 1868) from St. Louis to New Orleans, and also on the White River, occupying the positions of pilot, master and clerk, and continuing until 1882. In 1874 he engaged in the drug business at Jacksonport, where he remained until August, 1882, when he removed to Newport, and since has successfully carried on the business, his store being one of the best in this locality. Capt. Joyce was a member of the council at Jacksonport, and also filled the office of mayor of that city for a length of time. December 15, 1866, he was married, in St. Louis, to Miss Miriam M. Major, of Pittsburgh, Penn., by whom he has had four children: Mary A., Kate S., William A., Jr., and Emma C. Mr. and Mrs. Joyce are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, while Mr. Joyce is a member of the American Legion of Honor, Knights of Honor and Royal Arcanum, as well as belonging to the Masonic fraternity.