My Genealogy Hound

Dr. W. H. Lenox, physician and surgeon, Denmark, Ark. This prominent and successful practitioner was born in Rolla, Phelps County, Mo., in 1837, and located in Denmark, Jackson County, Ark., in 1878. His parents, Hamilton and Permelia (Harrison) Lenox, were natives, respectively, of Kentucky and South Carolina, and both immigrated to Missouri in 1811. They settled in what is now Callaway County, were reared in that county, but were married in Pulaski County, in 1834, after which Hamilton Lenox followed tilling the soil in Craighead County for some time. From there he moved to Phelps County, but in 1861 left the State of Missouri, and took up his residence in Jackson County, Ark., where he made his home until 1863. He then went to Van Buren County, where he purchased and improved a farm, and there resided until his death, which occurred in November, 1865. He took a deep interest in the early settlement of the county, and was prominently identified with its affairs. In politics he was first a Whig, but later became a Democrat. His faithful and much beloved companion followed him to the grave in 1874. Grandfather William Lenox was one of the early pioneers of Callaway County, Mo., was a soldier in the War of 1812, and also saw duty in the Seminole War. Great grandfather Lenox was also a soldier in the War of 1812. Grandfather Harrison was an early settler of Pulaski County, Mo., and made that his home during life. He lived to an advanced age. Dr. W. H. Lenox attained his growth in Phelps County, Mo., and received his rudimentary education in the subscription schools of the same. He first began reading medicine under the tutelage of J. P. Harrison, of Phelps County, then under N. A. Davis, of Greene County, and finally under John Hyer, of Dent County. In 1855 he entered McDowell College, now called Missouri Medical College, at St. Louis, but later, on account of bronchial troubles, went to Lake Providence, La., to recuperate. After remaining in that State for three winters, he returned to Phelps County, Mo., and was there occupied in farming and trading in horses and mules. He selected for his companion in life Miss Ellen E. Stiegleman, a native of Cumberland Valley, Penn., and was married to her in Laclede County, Mo., in 1861. Her father, Dr. Stiegleman, was an eminent physician of Pennsylvania, and received his final summons in Missouri. Her mother now resides in Dent County, Mo. In 1861, or the same year of his marriage, Dr. Lenox moved to Jackson County, Ark., settled in Union Township, and the same year enlisted in Company A, Col. Freeman’s regiment, but did not serve with the regiment, as he received permission to remove to Arkansas. He then went to Jackson County, to Corinth, and enlisted in Company K, Fourth Missouri Infantry, Col. McFarland’s regiment, after which he participated in the engagements around Corinth, Jackson, Raymond and Big Black Bridge. Prior to the engagement at Vicksburg, he went to Little Rock, thence to Van Buren County, Ark., and there, in 1864, raised Company C (cavalry), and was made captain of the same under Col. Coleman. He joined Gen. Price’s raid through Missouri, and was in the battle of Pilot Knob. He was captured near Jefferson City, and confined a prisoner at Johnston Island until the close of the war. After his release he returned to Van Buren County, Ark., engaged in farming, and there remained until coming to Jackson County in 1878, as above stated. He commenced the practice of medicine in Van Buren County in 1873, and has thus continued ever since, having built up a paying and profitable practice. In connection with this Dr. Lenox is also engaged in cultivating the soil, having purchased 210 acres, to which he has since added eighty acres, and now has forty acres in tillable condition. One hundred and thirty acres of the Doctor’s land are in White County, and he is also engaged in raising stock. He is not active in politics, and does not vote; in school matters he takes a decided interest, and is connected with an incorporated school at Pleasant Plains, being trustee of the same. Dr. and Mrs. Lenox are members of the organization collectively known as Ecclesia of the Deity, composed individually of Christ Adelphians, which means Church of God, composed of Christ’s Brethren. To their marriage were born the following children: Shelby L., Laura E., Florence O., Edna G. and Pearley E.