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Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Jackson 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.

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J. A. Harlan. One of the best examples of enterprise to be seen in Jacksonport is the business of Mr. Harlan. This gentleman was born in Hardeman County, Tenn., on January 1, 1851, and is a son of David and Sarah (McMullen) Harlan, of North Carolina, who emigrated to Tennessee shortly after their marriage, where they remained several years, and from there to Mississippi, where the father died in 1855. After his death the mother returned to Tennessee, where she is still residing. They were the parents of five children, of whom four are yet living: Cullen M., Idotha (wife of Guy Smith), Bettie (wife of Dr. J. M. Higlin) and John A. The mother of these children was three times married, and by her second husband had one daughter, Jennie Black. John A. was reared principally in Tennessee, and received his education in that State. In 1869 he came to Jacksonport, and was engaged in farming for five years. He afterward embarked in commercial life, and became one of the leading business men of that city, as well as one of the most popular men, socially. He carries a fine stock of general merchandise, and has earned a reputation for square dealing, the best goods and lowest prices, that has enabled him to build up a large patronage in Jackson County. In 1880 Mr. Harlan was married to Miss Lulu Simpson, by whom he has had three children: Cullen D., Elden B. and Ethel A. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and Legion of Honor, as well as the Knights of Honor. Besides his mercantile interests, he owns several hundred acres of valuable land, and altogether enjoys a liberal prosperity.

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This family biography is one of 144 biographies included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Jackson County, Arkansas published in 1889.  View the complete description here: Jackson County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

View additional Jackson County, Arkansas family biographies here: Jackson County, Arkansas Biographies

View a map of 1889 Jackson County, Arkansas here: Jackson County, Arkansas Map

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