My Genealogy Hound

Simon McLeod was born in Harnett County, N. C., March 3, 1843, and is the son of Murdoch and Barbara (Matthews) McLeod, who came to Arkansas in 1858, settling on a farm in Lawrence County. His grandparents, on his father’s side, emigrated from Scotland to this country during the latter half of the eighteenth century. On his mother’s side, he is a descendant from a local family of merchants and farmers. The elder McLeod died in 1862, and his wife followed, December 20, 1888. Eleven children were born to them, and the family came to Arkansas unbroken, but death has cropped them out one by one until but five remain. Their names are James, John A., Simon, William and Hector — all farmers and mechanics. Simon McLeod, the seventh child, came west with his parents, with whom he remained until 1861, then leaving a comfortable home to fight for a cause he thought was right. He enlisted in the First Arkansas Battalion, and served to good advantage for the principles which he had undertaken to defend. He was present at the battle of Corinth, and at the siege of Port Hudson was among the most valiant in action. He did the duty of a private soldier until the end of the war, and surrendered at Shreveport, La., in 1865. He then returned to his home, and was married, in 1867, to Miss Sally C. Judkins, a Tennessee lady. In 1868 he and his companion moved on to the farm where they still live, with a happy and prosperous family. Mrs. McLeod is the descendant of a wealthy and influential Virginia family. She also is of Scotch descent. She is the daughter of William H. and Sarah D. (Roberts) Judkins. Mr. Judkins was elected to the State Senate of Arkansas, in 1854, and died at Little Rock, Ark., in December of the same year. Mrs. McLeod is a sister of Hon. Joseph B. Judkins, who was president of the Twenty-fourth Arkansas senate. Mr. McLeod and wife have been blessed with nine children, all living with the exception of two. Their names are: Walter E., Maggie D., Lettie M., Bessie C., Joseph H., Luther H., Eva A., (and one not named, deceased), and Laurence S. Mr. McLeod and his wife and his three oldest children are members of the Misssionary Baptist Church, and are people that command the respect of the entire community. He is a Democrat, and takes a deep interest in politics, though he has never aspired to any public position, preferring rather the pleasures of rural life.