My Genealogy Hound

Lancelot Minor is a leading member of the bar of Jackson County, and owes his nativity to Albemarle County, Va., his birth occurring in Charlottesville, June 16, 1847. He inherits Scotch and Irish blood from his ancestors, and is a son of Dr. Charles and Lucy W. (Minor) Minor, both of whom were born in Louisa County, Va., the father’s birth occurring at what was known as Minor’s Folly, the old homestead. He was reared on this farm, and upon reaching a proper age began the study of medicine, and became a graduate of a medical university of his native State, and of one in Philadelphia, Penn., both noted colleges. He first entered upon his practice in Albemarle County, Va., continuing there until 1854, then gave up his profession and established the Brookhill College, or preparatory school, which he successfully conducted until the breaking out of the late Civil War. He then raised a company and sent it into service, but was unable to go himself, and died in 1862 at the age of sixty years. His widow survived him until 1879, when she, too, followed him to the grave. Seven of the family of thirteen children born to them are now living: Mrs. William R. Abbott, whose husband is principal of the Bellevue Institute of Bedford County, Va.; Mrs. Loed, a widow residing in Wilmington, N. C.; Lancelot, Kate, residing in Virginia; John B., Jr., also in Virginia; Annie and Dr. J. C, of Walnut Ridge, Ark. Both the paternal and maternal grandfathers were soldiers in the Revolutionary War, and were well educated men, having prepared themselves for a professional life, but were practically good farmers. Lancelot Minor resided on his father’s farm until Civil War times, then left the Brookhill school, of which his father was manager, to take up arms for the Confederate cause. He enlisted in Rock Bridge Artillery, and served the cause he espoused, faithfully and well, until April 8, 1865, when he was wounded at Cumberland Church, Virginia, by a gun-shot passing through his right lung. He was left at a farm house, being thought dead, but at the end of about five days he began to recover, and in the care of the kind people with whom he was left he remained until he was thoroughly convalescent, but, from the effects of his wound, he had become paralyzed. He remained in this condition until 1867, when he recovered the use of his limbs, and soon after resumed farming, continuing until 1868, when he was taken with the pioneer fever, and determined to push westward. He did so, and settled at Miami County, Kas., where he farmed until 1870, then came overland to Jacksonport, Ark., and was engaged in farming and dairying at this point up to 1875. In the meantime he had been reading law, and in the above mentioned year he was admitted to the bar, and formed a partnership with his brother, Charles, which continued up to the latter’s death, in 1879. After being in practice alone for four years, he entered into partnership with Franklin Doswell, one of the oldest attorneys in Jackson County, and their connection has since continued, the firm being known as Minor & Doswell. They make a strong legal firm, and, by their superior abilities, command a large patronage in this and surrounding counties. Mr. Minor owns a great deal of real estate in Jackson County, and is the originator of the White River Stock Breeder’s Association, of which he is the president. They have forty acres with a mile track for training, which is now under the management of Prof. Menkie. Mr. Minor is deeply interested in this enterprise, and, so far, it has proved a decided success. He has attained the highest degree in the Masonic fraternity, and is also a member of the K. of P. and the Royal Arcanum. He has been a member of the city council, and is at present chief of the fire department. He was married, in 1868, to Miss Emma W. Minor, by whom he became the father of two children, Charles and Louisa, but in 1884 was called upon to mourn her death. In July, 1887, he espoused his second wife, Miss Theo Ferguson, of Augusta, Ark. They are members of the Episcopal Church.