My Genealogy Hound

Marion Lassiter (deceased). The life of this gentleman was one unmarked by any occurrence outside of the chosen channels to which he so diligently applied himself, but he became well known throughout Drew County as a successful planter. He was born in Johnson County, N. C, December 7, 1828, being one of six surviving members of a family of nine children born to Elias and Edith (Carroll) Lassiter, who were also born in North Carolina, in 1832 and 1835, respectively. The maternal grandparents, James and Rhoda Carroll, removed to Alabama in 1838, and there the grandmother lived to be one hundred and four years of age. Elias Lassiter followed the calling of a farmer throughout life, and passed to his long home in 1874, his wife dying two years earlier. The paternal grandfather, Elijah Lassiter, was born in the Old Dominion in 1743, and served as a private in the War of 1812. His demise occurred in 1847. Marion Lassiter attended the schools of Johnson County, receiving only the advantages of the common schools, and so diligently did he apply himself to his tasks, that he became well posted in the common branches. After making his home with his father until 1847, he emigrated to Alabama, but after one year’s residence in that State, he returned to his old home, and for two years worked as a mechanic. June 19, 1856, he was united in marriage to Miss Arabella Ellis, who was a daughter of William and Mattonia Ellis, she being a native of North Carolina. The year 1856 found Mr. Lassiter and his wife in Drew County, Ark., and this State continued to be his home. He reached this county in very straightened circumstances, his only possessions being a horse and conveyance, and he was $30 in debt, but, in no wise discouraged, he manfully put his shoulder to the wheel, and by industry and good management became the owner of 600 acres of good farming land, about 200 acres of which are under cultivation. The service he rendered during the late war was on the Confederate side, but was only of short duration, owing to disability. He had been a member of the Baptist Church for the past twenty years, and his widow is also a member of this church. Mr. Lassiter’s brothers and sisters are as follows: Elijah, Hanslet (deceased), Jesse, and Benjamin (also deceased), Elizabeth, Louisa, Lucy and Sarah. Martin Lassiter’s brother, Elijah, is the only one living in Arkansas. The subject of this sketch was taken sick about April 10, last, and died July 10, mourned by a host of friends. His life was an exemplary one, and the influence which he exerted during his useful career will linger long in the hearts of those who knew him best.