My Genealogy Hound

T. A. J. Runyan, M. D., one of Lawrence County’s popular citizens, and a physician of excellent reputation, was born in Vermillion County, Ind., in the year 1829. He is a son of William and Melinda (Murey) Runyan, of Tennessee and Kentucky, respectively, who were married in Tennessee, and moved to the State of Illinois, shortly after. Dr. Runyan received his education from the district schools in his earlier days, and later on at the Academy of Georgetown, Tenn. He commenced the study of medicine in 1855, under the guidance of Dr. John L. Yarnell, a celebrated physician in those days, and is now one of the leading men in his profession. He also practiced five years under the care of an elder brother, Dr. M. D. L. Runyan. While at Nashville taking a course of lectures, the Doctor had the misfortune to lose one of his eyes by erysipelas, which caused him to give up his studies for a time. This, however, did not deter him from mastering the intricacies of his chosen profession, and in 1864 he resumed the study of medicine. He came to Arkansas in 1863, and located in what is now Sharp County, and commenced building up his practice within four miles of where he now resides. He is the oldest physician residing in this part of the county, and, besides his profession, is the owner of a large and very productive farm. He has upward of 200 acres under cultivation, besides other lands in various sections, all of which he has accumulated by his own industry. The Doctor was practically penniless at the close of the war, and his present prosperity is a good evidence of his indomitable pluck and energy. He was married to Miss Mary A. Campbell, of Tennessee, and eight children have been given them to brighten the home, four of whom have died. The names of those living are: Ester Jane, wife of Henry Doyle; Martha M., wife of James M. Turner; William, and Josephine, wife of J. W. McLaughlin. The dead are: Marcus, an infant not named, Eliza Ann and Melinda. The Doctor is a member of Lodge No. 126 of the A. F. & A. M.