My Genealogy Hound

Joseph K. Hopkins is a native of Lee County, whither his parents had come two years before his birth. He attended the common schools of this locality until the death of his father (when he was sixteen years of age), when he commenced farming for himself. Mr. Hopkins was born in 1851, being the son of Archibald and Martha (O’Neal) Hopkins, natives of North Carolina and Alabama, respectively. Archibald Hopkins removed from the State of his birth to Greene County, Ala., when twenty years of age, and in 1849 to Arkansas, locating in this county, where he was engaged in farming until called from earth, in 1867, at the age of fifty-one. His wife died when the principal of this sketch was a child. Both were members of the Baptist Church. After her death Mr. Hopkins married Miss Lou Purcell, of Woodruff County, who is now deceased. He was a successful farmer during life, but lost heavily by the war. He was the father of three children by his first marriage, two of whom are still living: William A. (also a farmer of this county) and Joseph K. (our subject). The latter was married, in 1869, to Mrs. Emma (Burrows) Poole, a daughter of Peter Burrows and widow of William Poole. They have one son, Joseph B., who is at present helping his father in the store. Mr. Hopkins engaged in the mercantile business in 1876, and although starting with a small capital he has, by close economy and good business management, built up a satisfactory trade, and has the largest patronage of any store in this section of the township. He also owns one of the most extensive farms hereabouts, and in addition the control of a number of other fine farms. Although not an active politician, Mr. Hopkins is one of the leading Democrats in all campaign work. Mrs. Hopkins is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church.