My Genealogy Hound

Capt. J. C. Barlow, dealer in hardware, stoves, etc., of Helena, Ark., was born in Scott County, Ky., January 3, 1836, and is a son of Thomas J. and Mildred (Cantrell) Barlow, natives of Scott and Bourbon Counties, Ky., respectively. The paternal grandfather was born in Old Virginia and the grandmother in North Carolina, but at an early period they moved to the wilds of Kentucky, making their way thither on horseback, the grandmother carrying a large cane which she pretended was a gun, and used in frightening away the Indians. She was reared on the farm once owned by Daniel Boone in the “Old North State.” The grandparents on both sides died in Kentucky, and were farmers by occupation. Thomas J. Barlow was also a farmer, and after living a useful and well-spent life, quietly breathed his last in Ballard County, Ky., in 1873, his wife’s death occurring in Scott County, Ky., she having borne him six children, three of whom are now living: Frances A. (wife of John W. Allison, of Bourbon County, Ky.), Joseph C. and James M. Edward was in the Confederate army and died at Montgomery, Ala. Thomas died in Kentucky and William also died there when quite young. Mr. Barlow was married twice and by his last wife had a family of three children, Clifton J. being the only one alive. J. C. Barlow was reared and favored with the advantages of the common schools in Scott County, Ky., but in 1859 came to Helena, Ark., and became a salesman in a dry-goods establishment, this work receiving his attention until the opening of the war, when he enlisted in the Phillips County Guards, and subsequently got a transfer to the Yell Rifles, with which he served until the fall of 1861, when he joined the Second Arkansas Battery, remaining with them until the close of the war. After serving for some time as first lieutenant of artillery he was appointed to the rank of captain by the secretary of war, and was a participant in all the engagements of his regiment. After the war he clerked in Memphis, Tenn., for about one year, then returned to Helena and has since been conducting a hardware establishment, this enterprise meeting with good success under his able management. He has the largest stock of goods in the town, and receives a most liberal share of public favor. He filled an unexpired term as mayor of Helena, is president of the Phillips County Fair Association, and since August 22, 1882, has held the position of colonel of the Arkansas State Guards, receiving his appointment from Gov. F. J. Churchill during the political troubles of that year. He was married in 1869 to Miss Mary J. Porter, a native of Helena, and in 1876 took for his second wife Mrs. Mary Grant, by whom he has three children: Fannie A., Harrell E. and Joseph C., Jr. Capt. and Mrs. Barlow are members of the Episcopal Church.