My Genealogy Hound

William S. Nail was born in Lawrence County, Tenn., in 1820, and his father, Archie, was a native of Alabama, but was married in Tennessee to Miss Morrow, by whom he reared a family of four children: William, Franklin, Thomas and Mary A. Archie Nail was a soldier in the War of 1812, and died in the State of Tennessee, in 1830, he having followed the occupation of farming and blacksmithing all his life. William S. Nail learned these occupations of his father, and in addition to farm work, which has always received his attention, he has been faithful to the hammer and anvil also. In 1845 he removed from Tennessee to Mississippi, and was there engaged in blacksmithing until 1856, when he came to Independence County (now Izard County), Ark., and purchased land to the amount of 120 acres, and in 1867 built a cotton-gin on this farm which has been in operation ever since. His land now comprises 280 acres, seventy-five being in a tillable condition, and a portion of his mountainous land is under laid with valuable minerals. He raises cotton, corn, and small grains on his cultivated lands, and is acknowledged by all to be one of the most reliable and enterprising citizens of Lafferty Township. In 1840 he was married to Miss Melinda, the daughter of Thomas Williamson, of Mississippi, and of eight children born to them, the following are living: Thomas, Mary E., Catherine F. and Charley L. Mr. Nail belongs to the I. O. O. F., and he and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.