My Genealogy Hound

William F. Blackwell. Among the business men of Randolph County, Ark., who have won distinction as successful merchants, and who have, by personal industry and genuine business ability, succeeded in establishing a desirable trade, may be mentioned Mr. Blackwell, whose name heads this brief biography. He was born in Lawrence County, Ark., December 20, 1851, and is a son of James and Parnesia Jane(Smith) Blackwell, the former being a native of Virginia. He died when our subject was two years old, while on his way home from New Orleans, whither he had been on business, he having been a merchant and stock dealer at the time of his death. After removing from his native State, he first came to Tennessee, and afterward to Arkansas. His wife was born in Lawrence County, this State, in 1828, and after his death she married a Mr. Ellison, who left her again a widow sometime after, and she next wedded Bennett Holder, who is also dead. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; she became the mother of four children, two being now dead. Those living are Isabella, wife of Frank M. Baker, and William F., who was educated in the schools of Lawrence County, and from boyhood up has been familiar with mercantile life, having acted in the capacity of salesman at Powhatan, Smithville, Walnut Ridge, Delaplaine, Lauratown, and then in his present location. One year after coming to Randolph County, he engaged in business for himself, forming a partnership with W. W. Tanner, the firm being known as Tanner & Blackwell. This partnership lasted until 1883, and since that time Mr. Blackwell has been in business alone. The first money he earned for himself was at picking cotton, and in all the enterprises in which he has been engaged, his labors have been attended with good results. He was so unfortunate as to be burned out in February, 1888, but he has since retrieved his fortunes to some extent, and, in connection with his business, is engaged in farming. He received his last appointment as postmaster in 1888. February 10, 1878, he was married to Miss Mollie F. Tanner, daughter of W. W. Tanner, and by her he is the father of four children: Jennie May, Pearl Grace and William Harry. James Marvin, the eldest child, died in his third year. Mrs. Blackwell was born in Obion County, Tenn., and is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and her husband belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He is a Democrat. His career has placed him before the public as a successful financier, and his reputation has been obtained by tireless industry, a keen foresight of events, and a judicious use of his means.