My Genealogy Hound

John M. Sipes, a lumber manufacturer of Buffalo Island, is a native of Missouri, born in Buchanan County, July 18, 1840. His parents, Eli and Christina (Rhynes) Sipes, the former born and reared in Pennsylvania, the latter in South Carolina, were married in Perry County, Mo. Mr. Sipes was one of the pioneer settlers of Buchanan County, Mo., having gone there in 1830. In 1856 he moved to Greene County and remained there until his death in 1859. John M. grew to manhood in Missouri, and resided in Buchanan, Perry, Greene, Webster and Barton Counties. He remained on the home farm until his father’s death. In 1861 he entered the Confederate service, enlisting in the Eighth Arkansas Infantry, and served until the final surrender. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, Perryville, Murfreesboro, Chattanooga, and many lesser engagements. He was never wounded, taken prisoner, nor lost a day from service. After the war he remained for a time in Arkansas, then went to Missouri. In 1866 he settled in Craighead County, Ark., where he has since resided. When, in 1868, he bought his present farm, it was but little improved; now he has 120 acres, 112 under fence, with a very good house and out buildings. Mr. Sipes began operating a grist mill and cotton-gin in 1881, which burned down in 1887. He then put up a steam saw-mill and cotton-gin, which has proved a very successful enterprise. In the spring of 1865 he married Nancy J. Smith, a native of Kentucky, whose parents died while she was yet a child. This union has been blessed with six children: Joel, Serena, George W., Rose Ann, Julia C. and Henry. Mr. Sipes is a member of the I. O. O. F., and has held all the chairs of the subordinate lodge.