My Genealogy Hound

James W. Headstream is well known in Washington Township, Independence County, as an enterprising and successful farmer. He first located there in 1845, at which time he entered a considerable tract of land, and devoted his entire attention to the pursuit of agriculture. He now owns 340 acres in Independence County, 150 acres of which are under cultivation, and about 200 acres in Stone County, Ark. His early experiences in the county (which has for so many years been his home) were those of the pioneer, and his present prosperity is the result of many hardships endured and the practice of economy as well as good management and enterprise. Mr. Headstream was born in Hickman County, Tenn., about the year 1827. His parents were John P. and Harriet (Hassel) Headstream. John P. Headstream was a native of Sweden, and was born in 1810. When a young man he left his native country and came to Nashville, Tenn., afterward locating in Hickman County, where he married. About 1835 he removed to Helena, Ark., his death occurring in 1844 in Monroe County, Ark. His wife was born in North Carolina, in 1812, and lived until 1880. Of their nine children but three are now living. In 1849 James W. married Rachel M. Ford, whose birth occurred in Tennessee in 1831. She was the daughter of James G. and Martha A. (Roland) Ford. She lived to be the mother of twelve children, of whom six survive, viz.: Harriet O., who married Claiborn Pierce; Sarah P., wife of John Olvey; James P.; Margaret, who married Robert Baird; Felix J. and Virginia L. In 1869 Mr. Headstream married Mahulda Pierce, who was also a native of Tennessee, and was born in 1837. Seven children have been born to this union, all living, viz.: David R., Anna J., Dora H., Laura A., Samuel B., Maude and William T. B. Mrs. Headstream is a daughter of Zadock and Nancy Pierce. Mr. Headstream is a Democrat in politics, and he and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. They reside near Victor post office, six miles west of Batesville, and are among the earliest settlers of the township.