My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Grant County, Arkansas published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1889.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

* * * *

James L. Messenger, of the firm of Messenger Brothers, merchants of Prattsville, is a personage well known throughout that section of the country, and an honored son of an esteemed father. A native of Mississippi, he was born at Fulton, August 9, 1855, and when about five years of age, he came to this State with his father, John Messenger, with whom he remained until he reached his majority, receiving all the advantages that were to be had in the way of schooling at that time. He then engaged with the senior Messenger in business in Grant County, in 1880, and a short time after bought out his father’s interest, and the present firm was formed. They have just completed a new building at Prattsville, 24x60 feet, and carry a heavy and complete stock of general merchandise, enjoying a business of about $20,000 annually. Mr. Messenger found a worthy companion in the person of Miss Sarah Leet, born and educated in Grant County, where they were married in 1875. They have six attractive children who fill their house with sunshine and glee. Their names are: Arkansas Rosa, Mattie, John O., Esther Lee, Eugene and Ezekiel. Mr. and Mrs. Messenger are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in which the former is secretary. He was also appointed postmaster in Prattsville, in 1886.

* * * *

This family biography is one of 68 biographies included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Grant County, Arkansas published in 1889.  For the complete description, click here: Grant County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

To view additional Grant County, Arkansas family biographies, click here

Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of other family biographies.