My Genealogy Hound

John H. S. Weir, a well-known resident of Dent Township, was born in North Carolina in 1842. The parents of Mr. Weir moved west, and settled in Arkansas in 1845, locating at Old Jack son, December 24. From there they moved to a point in Black River Township, where they have resided since 1846. James A. Weir, the father, has been one of the foremost citizens of this county, and a leading spirit in its affairs. He is one of the best-posted men in Northeastern Arkansas, and now, after a busy and useful life, is living quietly with his children. The mother died, May 23, 1885, a firm believer in the Seceder Church. Out of eight children six are living. The first four born were twins. Mr. Weir came to Arkansas with his parents when three years old, and has always remained in that State, excepting the time he spent in the late war. In 1862 he enlisted in Wells company, and soon afterward was discharged. He re-enlisted in R. C. Newton’s Cavalry Regiment, of Little Rock, Ark., and served until 1865, when he was paroled in Drew County. He took part in the battles at Mark’s Mill and Poison Springs, in this State, but was principally sent out on skirmish duty. After the war he returned home, and worked on the farm until 1867, when he accepted a position with William Jones, of Powhatan, who owned a general merchandise store, which was then sold to the firm of Stuart, Cravens & Balfor. On leaving the above business Mr. Weir entered school, where he studied diligently for ten months. At the end of his student days he met and married Miss Thirsey J. Moore, a daughter of Robert W. Moore, of Tennessee, who came to Arkansas in 1832, with his mother and stepfather. Mr. Moore was a representative citizen of this county in his day, and one of its most popular men. He died at the age of sixty-six years. When Mr. Weir first purchased his present place it was heavily covered with timber, but since that time he has put upwards of seventy-five acres under cultivation, all of which has been done by the labor of his own hands. His mother-in law is still living, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, which she has attended ever since her girlhood. She was born near Huntsville, Ala., in the year 1819, and her first marriage was with Hezekiah Darter, of Virginia, by whom she had one child, Charlotte. Mr. Weir and his wife have had seven children, two of them deceased. Their names are: Margaret E. (wife of Henry H. Rainwater), Robert S., Mary L., Burett S., Moses N., Clay C. and Laura B. They are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and are zealous workers. Mr. Weir has been one of the school directors for a number of years, and is an active leader in public and private enterprises.