My Genealogy Hound

Jacob Schoonover, retired farmer, Pocahontas, Ark. The subject of this sketch is one of the honored pioneers of Randolph County. He has been located here for a period of over twenty-nine years, and has not only become well known, but the respect and esteem shown him are as wide as his acquaintance. His fine farm of 200 acres is adorned, with an attractive and commodious house, and the large mill and cotton-gin which he operates deserve special attention. He is a native of Honesdale, Penn., and is a son of Daniel and Eliza (Jacks) Schoonover, both of whom are also natives of the Keystone State. Jacob Schoonover went to California when twenty-one years of age, or in 1852, by way of the Isthmus, and remained there until September, 1856, engaged in mining and teaming. He then returned to his native State, remained there about a year, and then in 1857 went to Minnesota, where he spent another year. In 1858 he came to Arkansas, settled in Marion County, and engaged in photographing, which he continued for three years, traveling in the meantime over Northeast Arkansas and Southeast Missouri. He happened to be in Randolph County when the war broke out, and in 1862 he enlisted in Shaver’s regiment, Tappin’s brigade, and served until June, 1865, in the Confederate army. He was regimental quartermaster. After the close of the conflict he returned to Randolph County, remained a few months, and then proceeded to the State of his nativity, where he sojourned six months, visiting his parents. Subsequently he returned to this county, and engaged as salesman in the store of Green R. Jones, remaining thus employed for two years. He then bought a partnership, and this continued until 1873. Three years later he was elected circuit clerk of Randolph County, and filled this position in a very acceptable manner for six years. After this he was engaged in farming and trading. He was first married in 1870 to Miss Martha J. Wear, a native of Pennsylvania, who bore him the following named children: Eugene G., now in Pennsylvania; Herbert, Addie C. and Parke T. The mother of these children died on the 22d of December, 1878, and Mr. Schoonover was married the second time, on the 5th of January, 1882, to Miss Ella Bolen, a native of the Blue Grass State. Two children are the fruit of this union: Robert and Jacob. Mr. Schoonover is a Royal Arch Mason, and a member of the K. of H. He has ever taken an active part in politics and public affairs, and has done much to build up every enterprise for the common good.