My Genealogy Hound

Jasper Nance. One of the best known men in mercantile circles in Jackson County is Mr. Nance, who keeps a general store in Cow Lake Township. He was born in what is now Woodruff County, Ark., in the year 1846, and was the fourth in a family of seven children, born to Joshua and Hetty (Forehand) Nance, of North Carolina and Georgia, respectively, the parents being married in the latter State. After their union they moved to Woodruff County, and entered land in Barnes Township, which the father at once commenced to cultivate and make a permanent home, and at the time of his death he had cleared up about 500 acres. He died several years before the Civil War, and his excellent wife soon after moved back to her native State, where she survived him but a few years. Jasper was reared by his maternal grandfather, and received his education in the schools of Baker County, Ga. In 1858 his grandfather moved to Woodruff County, Ark., where he bought a fine farm, upon which he resided until his death, and, during the litigation over the estate, young Nance commenced farming for himself. In 1865 he inherited his share of the land, and has added to it on different occasions until now he owns 100 acres, all of which are under cultivation, besides owning several other farms in different portions of the State. In 1884 he first started in business and opened up a general store, laying in a stock of everything to be found in a store of that kind, and has established a fine trade. He was married in Jackson County, July 20, 1866, to Mrs. Permelia M. Duty, who was a daughter of David Johnson, of Jackson County, and this union has given them eight children: Margaret J., now Mrs. A. Sprague; William M., Laura A., Lewin A., Alonzo, Martha, David J. and Elza Brown. Mr. and Mrs. Nance are both members of the Christian Church, in which the former is an elder, the daughter Margaret also being a member. Mr. Nance is not an active politician, but his interest in the affairs of his county are unbounded. He is a keen observer, and his remarks upon the various changes that have taken and will take place in his county are well worthy of attention.