My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Miller County, Arkansas published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1890.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

* * * * *

Jacob G. Bickly. Although he is still comparatively young, Mr. Bickly bears a reputation in agricultural circles that might well be envied by many an older man, and as one of the prominent men of the county, a short sketch of his life will be read with interest. He was born in Claiborne Parish, La., on December 8, 1860, being the son of Jacob J. and Catherine C. R. (Hooker) Bickly, the latter a native of Tennessee. The father passed from life in Miller County, Ark., on August 12, 1884, at the age of fifty five years. He was born in Georgia, but was taken by his parents to Claiborne Parish, La., when he was seven years of age, and he made that place his home until 1866, when he came to what is now Miller County, and located six miles south of Texarkana, and there he made his home until his death. He was a carpenter and cotton-press builder by occupation, and built presses all up and down Red River. He made considerable money, but lost it all during the late war. In 1867 he built a bridge across Day Creek, and took the proceeds and purchased part of the farm our subject now owns. In 1868 he started in the gin and mill business, which he conducted in connection with his farming operations, and at the time of his death was in good circumstances. His farm comprises 400 acres, of which he had 250 acres under cultivation. During the late war he was detailed by the Confederate Government as a wagon-maker in the south end of Miller County, Ark., and Louisiana. His large plantation was splendidly improved with a fine residence, etc. He and wife were both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and were greatly respected by all in the community. She passed from life in this county on February 19, 1880, at the age of forty-eight years. There were five children born to their marriage, of whom only two are living: Jacob G. and an older sister, Mittie (wife of Judge Thomas Orr, a prominent citizen of this county). Of those dead, Samuel C. died in Louisiana at the age of nine years, and was the second child; Joseph R. died during the war in his third year, and Matthew died at the age of eleven years. Jacob G. Bickly received his education at Texarkana under Prof. G. A. Hays. He remained with his father until his death, assisting him with the farm and mills, and in 1884 took charge of the farm for himself. He is one of the most extensive planters in the county, cultivating 250 acres of his large plantation. On April 12, 1888, he was united in matrimony to Miss Remica Kirby, daughter of John C. Kirby, of Bowie County, Tex., and one son, Edgar, has been born to them. They are both worthy members of the Christian Church, and are greatly esteemed by their neighbors and friends. Mr. Bickly is Republican in his political views.

* * * * *