My Genealogy Hound

E. G. Landers, merchant, Melbourne, Ark. In publishing an account of the industries and mercantile resources of the town of Melbourne, the house of Mr. Landers’ must not be forgotten, as it constitutes a most important factor in the commercial fabric of the town. Mr. Landers was born in Bedford County, Tenn., on the 7th of May, 1846, and came with his parents to Arkansas in 1854. He attended the subscription schools, but only received a limited education, and at the age of twenty-two started out in life for himself, first as a laborer in a gin. He then followed the carpenter’s trade for some time, and in 1864 joined the Confederate army, remaining in service until June, 1865, when he surrendered at Jacksonport, Ark. He was with Gen. Price on his raid through Missouri, in 1864 and 1865, and participated in nearly all the battles fought on the raid. In 1877 he engaged in merchandising at Lunenburg, under the firm title of Landers & Bros., and continued thus until 1880, when his brother sold out and a new partner, S. R. Hinkle, took his place. The firm is now Landers & Co., and do the largest business in the place. They carry a stock of goods that invoices at about $10,000 at the least, enjoying an annual trade of about $40,000. When first starting out in this business the firm had a capital of $1,500, Mr. Landers putting in $750. Aside from his flourishing mercantile business, he owns about 400 acres of land and considerable town property. His marriage was consummated in November, 1867, to Miss Martha A. Hinkle, and by her he became the father of six children, five now living: Leanora (wife of William Blair), Robert O. (deceased), Maggie, Effie G., J. H. and Maudie. Mr. and Mrs. Landers, with the two eldest children, are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and he is a Democrat in politics. Mrs. Landers is a member of the lady’s department of the Masonic fraternity, and also of the Odd Fellow’s order. Mr. Landers started with very little means, but he is now one of the most successful men of the county. He is the son of Roland and Martha G. (Landers) Landers, natives of North Carolina. The father was born in 1810, and died in 1878, and the mother’s birth occurred in 1813, and she died in February, 1884. Roland Landers was coroner of Izard County for several years, and was a cabinet maker by trade, although in his latter years he was engaged in tilling the soil. He accumulated considerable property previous to the war, but was not a slave holder. By his marriage, which occurred in Tennessee, he became the father of these children: Rebecca J. (wife of W. Joe Arnold, of Melbourne), Sarah A. (wife of G. W. Gray), Mary Frances (wife of G. W. Owens), H. B. (farmer), Charlotte T. (wife of T. H. Adams), E. G., Genora D. (wife of W. Z. Craig), George W. (of Batesville), John F. (farmer), and Joe L. (farmer).