My Genealogy Hound

W. P. Wooten is the senior member of the firm of Wooten & Oates, dealers in general merchandise at Russellville, Ark. The mercantile interests of this section are ably represented by these gentlemen who are honest, upright and enterprising men of business. Mr. Wooten was born in Panola County, Miss., July 26, 1844 and in that State he was made familiar with the duties of farm life, his early advantages for acquiring an education being very limited. Previous to attaining his thirtieth year, after leaving the farm, he had been engaged as a clerk in a dry goods store for J. G. Ferguson & Co., at this place, but at the above mentioned age he opened a grocery establishment and for nine years was in business alone, his efforts for obtaining a livelihood meeting with fair success. At the expiration of this time he formed a partnership with William M. Oates, and they immediately embarked in general merchandising and have continued amicably together up to the present time. Their connection has been smiled upon by Dame Fortune, and they now do an annual business of about $65,000, which fact speaks in an eloquent manner as to their popularity and business ability. Mr. Wooten is interested in all enterprises pertaining to the welfare of this section, and is a stockholder in the Peoples’ Bank and the canning factory of Russellville. He was married in 1871, the maiden name of his wife being Sally Price, who died about one year after their marriage leaving an infant, which died soon after. He was married a second time in 1873, Miss Lucy Brooks becoming his wife, but at the end of about two years, he unfortunately lost this wife also, she having borne him one child that survives her. The ceremony of his third marriage took place in 1875, Mrs. Ferguson of Russellville becoming his wife. Their union has been blessed in the birth of two children: Lula Jessie and Junior. Mr. Wooten is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, is a Democrat, and socially belongs to the A. F. & A. M., in which lodge he is treasurer.