My Genealogy Hound

John A. Rhea, proprietor of Walnut Ridge livery stables, was born in Greene County, Ark., September 30, 1854, and came to Lawrence County, when twelve years of age. He received but a limited amount of schooling in his young days, and was reared on his father’s farm. On July 3, 1876, he was married to Miss Lizzie Cooper, a daughter of Thomas and Ibbie (Willis) Cooper, early settlers of this county. After his marriage he commenced farming for himself, but shortly afterward gave up that occupation, and came to Lawrence County in the year 1877, where he opened a hotel. Five years later he went into the business of buying and selling horses, and then started a livery, which he has fostered into a complete success. It is the only livery stable in the Eastern district of Lawrence County, and commands quite a large trade. He also buys and sells horses, and is the owner of a farm of 143 acres, of which 133 acres are under cultivation. The bus line running between Walnut Ridge and Hoxie is controlled by him, and he has the mail contract between those points. In politics Mr. Rhea is a Democrat, and was the first town marshal of Walnut Ridge. He has two children, Harry and Annie L.