My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Little River County, Arkansas published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1890.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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W. D. C. Hankins, another prominent tiller of the soil in Little River County, Ark., is a native of Tennessee. His father, Harrison Hankins, was also born in that State, and early in life took up the study of medicine, and was graduated under Prof. Dudley, at the Medical College of Lexington, Ky., after which he entered upon the active practice of his profession in his native State. In 1843 he came to Drew County, and there practiced very successfully for a number of years, but in 1858 chose a location in Sevier County, to which he moved the same year, and there made his home until his death, in 1800. He practiced medicine for forty years, and during this time accumulated considerable property. He was married three times. His first wife was a Miss Simpson, and she bore him three children, one of whom, John S., who died some years ago, was at one time sheriff of Sevier County; the other two went to California, and there died. He was next married to Rebecca Burford, and by her became the father of six children, only three of whom are living: W. D. C. (born in 1838), Laura (wife of J. W. Hamon, of Sevier County), and Leona (wife of David M. Reding, resides in the Choctow Nation). Mrs. Hankins died in 1850, and in 1855 Mr. Hankins wedded Miss Harriet S. Kelsey, the fruits of this latter union being one child, a daughter, now Mrs. Mary L. Hutchison, of Howard County, with whom Mrs. Hankins makes her home. W. D. C. Hankins was educated at Monticello College, Monticello, Ark., and commenced life on his own responsibility at the age of twenty-one years. On July 2, 1801, he joined Capt. John C. McCain's company, Dockery's regiment, and while with this company was in the battle of Oak Hills. He was then taken sick and returned to his home, but on his recovery he rejoined Capt. McCain's company, which was attached to Dawson's regiment, and took part in the battle of Elk Horn. He was then transferred to the Indian Department, commanded by Col. Pike, and attached to the quartermaster's department, but was in no further engagements. He surrendered at Fort Ouachita, Chickasaw Nation, after which he came home and followed agricultural pursuits on his father's land in Sevier County. He farmed here for one year, from June, 1865 to 1866, and on January 1, 1867, he entered a dry goods store as clerk, and continued as such, until the latter part of 1868. In the spring of 1869 he was admitted to the bar, and immediately after entered upon the practice of law, which continued to occupy his attention until 1880. Since that time he has devoted himself to the cultivation of his farm, comprising 300 acres of finely improved land. He owns about 800 acres all told. In 1865 he was elected clerk of this county, but the party in power refused to commission him, so he never served. His marriage occurred in November, 1877, to Miss Emma Hawkins, daughter of B. S. and Mary J. Hawkins, of Rocky Comfort, being the contracting party, and their married life has been blessed in the birth of four children: Fannie, Henry, Benjamin and Lina. Mrs. Hankins is an earnest member of the Episcopal Church. In politics Mr. Hankins is a very decided Democrat.

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