My Genealogy Hound

J. M. Dyer, merchant and postmaster at Owensville, Saline County, Ark., was born in Dyer Township, in the year 1849. His parents, Given and Martha (Brazel) Dyer, natives, respectively, of Kentucky and Missouri, reared a family of ten children, J. M. Dyer being the fifth. They came to Saline County, Ark., in 1835, settling in what is now Dyer Township, and making this county his home, the father followed farming, opening up some 125 acres before his death, which occurred in 1861, his wife following him in 1862. The elder Mr. Dyer, had taken quite an active part in politics, being a strong Democrat. His son, J. M., who was reared on the farm and educated in the township schools, commenced his career alone at the age of twenty years as a farmer on rented land. In 1875 he bought a partly improved farm of 150 acres. He at once began to improve it and add to his possessions, until today he owns a splendid farm of 250 acres, with 110 under cultivation. He was married in Saline County, in 1869, to Melissa Robison, a native of Scott County, Ark., and a daughter of D. J. and Lucinda (James) Robison, of Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Robison came to Arkansas at an early day, the father dying in October, 1881, but the mother is still living in this township. By this union there were five children, all living: William Milas, Daniel Obey, Admire Lucinda, Rosa and Jeddy Walter. Mr. Dyer is not very active in politics, though he votes the Democratic ticket. He has been justice of the peace in his township for two terms. As a member of Whittington Lodge No. 365, A. F. & A. M., he has passed the chairs and served two terms as S. D. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dyer are members of the Missionary Baptist Church in this township. Every enterprise that tends to advance the interest of his township and county, finds in Mr. Dyer a firm friend and stanch supporter. He is especially interested in schools, and has held the position of postmaster at Owensville for five years, being a faithful and obedient servant of the public.