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Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Pope County, Arkansas published by Southern Publishing Company in 1891.  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.

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James F. Darr, merchant, Atkins, Ark., is another prominent business man of Atkins, and as such he has the confidence and respect of all. His birth occurred in North Carolina in 1841, and of the six children born to his parents, Henry and Ann (Blackburn) Darr (see sketch of J. C. Darr), he was fifth in order of birth. He attended the schools of his native State, and there remained until 1858, when he came to Arkansas, and there followed farming until 1874. At the opening of the war in 1861, he enlisted in Company I, King’s regiment, and was in the battles of Prairie Grove, Helena and Little Rock, after which he went to Louisiana. Later he returned to Arkansas, and was in the battle of Jenkins’ Ferry, and numerous skirmishes. He surrendered at Marshall, Tex. Returning to Arkansas he first engaged in farming, and in 1874 he came to Atkins, where he has since been engaged in merchandising. He first was in partnership with J. C. Darr, but they dissolved partnership in 1881, and our subject has since been in business alone. In 1881 he erected his fine two-story brick business house, 25x140 feet, and has a large warehouse. He carries a stock of goods valued at $14,000, and does an annual business of about $30,000. He buys cotton, and does a general furnishing business. Aside from his mercantile interest he is the owner of 100 acres of land, and has sixty-five acres under cultivation. In 1884 he erected a neat two-story residence, and has a pleasant, comfortable home. He is also the owner of fifteen acres in town, and two tenant houses. He was married in 1868 to Miss Mary J. Hearin, a native of Pope County, and the daughter of J. A. Hearin, who is a pioneer of this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Darr were born nine children, six of whom are living: John E. (book-keeper in Mr. Darr’s store), William E., James L., Roy W., Alva C. and Earl. Eugene, Carl and an infant are deceased. Mr. Darr was the first mayor of Atkins. He is a member of the K. of P., Arcadia Lodge No. 44, and has been chancellor commander. Mrs. Darr is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

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This family biography is one of 96 biographies included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Pope County, Arkansas published in 1891.  For the complete description, click here: Pope County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

View additional Pope County, Arkansas family biographies here: Pope County, Arkansas

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