My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Nevada 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.

* * * *

J. W. Lightsey, the subject of the present sketch, was born in Alabama in 1830, and is a son of Daniel Lightsey, a farmer of Bossier Parish, La., who died in May, 1847. Mr. Lightsey passed his youth in that State, educating himself, and at the age of twenty commenced farming on his own account, remaining in his native place until November, 1856, when he moved to Columbia County, Ark. He bought property here, and added to his estate from time to time, and has, today, a very valuable farm, which is excellently well cultivated after the most improved methods. He entered the Civil War in 1863, Company G, Arkansas Infantry, and fought in many of the prominent battles, but without being either wounded or captured at any time. In October, 1850, the subject of this sketch married Miss Mary E. Urrey, daughter of W. G. Urrey, of Louisiana, who died in 1864. They have no children of their own, but have adopted an orphan boy. Mr. Lightsey was elected to the office of justice of the peace in 1879, and afterward postmaster of Bodcaw. He is of German descent, a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and an active Democrat. He is very much interested in politics, and is always a willing contributor to all worthy enterprises.

* * * *

This family biography is one of 96 biographies included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Nevada County, Arkansas published in 1890.  For the complete description, click here: Nevada County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

To view additional Nevada County, Arkansas family biographies, click here

Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of other family biographies.