My Genealogy Hound

Arch Ledbetter, a successful planter and well-known citizen of Jefferson County, was born in Madison County, Ala., May 23, 1837, and is a son of Asa and Elizabeth (Skelton) Ledbetter, of Georgia. The father was born in the year 1801 and the mother in 1790, their marriage occurring in their native State. Shortly after that event they moved to Alabama and settled in Madison County, but changed their location again to Marshall County, where they resided until the father’s death in 1855 and the mother’s in 1858. Both were members of the Methodist Church, and pious, Christian people. The father was a Democrat in politics and a prominent man in Marshall County, where he followed farming for an occupation. They were the parents of a large family of children, of whom Arch Ledbetter was the youngest, and the only one now living. After his father’s death, which occurred when Arch was seventeen years old, the latter commenced farming for himself on rented land. Industry was one of the virtues that had been instilled in the young man by his father, and his teaching bore fruit, as is witnessed by the son’s after career. At the end of one year he was united in marriage to Mrs. Margaret I. Ricketts, of Tennessee, who became the mother of four children: J. B., T. L., M. T. and W. D., all residing at home. Mrs. Ledbetter was born in 1824, and died in 1889 at her husband’s home in Jefferson County, Ark. Mr. Ledbetter continued to reside in Alabama until the year 1869, when he moved with his family to Jefferson County, Ark., and commenced farming and raising stock. In connection with this he now operates a cotton gin and grist-mill, and owns one of the best farms in the county. His success is assured, and it is certainly deserved, for his business ability and good management have placed him in an independent position from a commencement with almost nothing. In July, 1889, he was married to Mrs. Mollie L. Dickinson, of Dallas County, Ark., a charming widow, and daughter of James S. Gibson. This union gave them one child: Calista O. Mr. Ledbetter is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and is steward of his congregation. In politics he is a Democrat, and has given his party considerable aid by using his influence in their behalf. He is a prominent figure in all social affairs of his community, and is much respected.