My Genealogy Hound

Col. Cadwallader Polk, planter, Helena, Ark. The subject of this sketch needs no introduction to the people of Phillips County, for a long residence, and, above all, a career of usefulness and prominence, have given him an acquaintance which shall last for many years. He was born in Columbia, Tenn., October 16, 1838, and is the son of Dr. William J. and Mary Rebecca (Long) Polk. [For further particulars of parents see sketch of Allen J. Polk.] Of the fourteen children born to his parents six are now living, and Col. Cadwallader Polk is sixth in order of birth, viz.: Allen, Lucius E. (was a planter at Columbia, Tenn.), Rufus (who resides at Little Rock), Mrs. Houston (wife of Russell Houston, of Louisville, Ky.), and Mary P. Branch (resides at Nashville, Tenn.). Russell Houston is attorney for the Louisville & Nashville Railroad. Col. Cadwallader Polk received his education at the University of North Carolina, graduating with honor from the same in 1858, and soon after he turned his attention to planting, which occupation he has carried on since. During the late war he enlisted as second lieutenant of the First Tennessee Confederate Infantry, and served in different capacities until promoted to the rank of colonel of an Arkansas regiment after the battle of Shiloh. He was appointed aid-de-camp to Gen. Hindman, and was in service from that time until the close of the war. While major of Hawthorn’s regiment, and at the battle of Prairie Grove, he was wounded in the right cheek by a musket-ball, which came out at the left side of the neck, and soon after he was made colonel, serving in that capacity until cessation of hostilities. He was in West Virginia with Gen. Stonewall Jackson, was in the second day’s fight of Shiloh, Prairie Grove, Helena and Little Rock. His regiment surrendered at Camden and Pine Bluff. He soon after turned his attention to planting, and is now the owner of 1,400 acres in the home place, with 600 acres in cotton, corn and grass. He was married March 29, 1864, to Miss Carrie Lowry, of Milliken’s Bend, La., and the result of this union was six children, viz.: William J., Anna T., Walter R. (at Little Rock in the employ of the Memphis & Little Rock Railroad in the capacity of book-keeper), Cadwallader (at home), Nena (at home), and Edward M. Mr. and Mrs. Polk are members of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Polk is a Mason, a K. T., and in his political opinions affiliates with the Democratic party. He takes a great interest in politics, but has never desired to hold office. He is now very much occupied in the rearing of stock, and has a flock of Southdowns, probably the finest in the State. He has some Almont’s stock of horses, also other fine stock, and is one of the progressive and enterprising farmers of the county.