My Genealogy Hound

Charles W. England. Prominent among those citizens of Lonoke who have actively interested themselves in its advancement, and who, with untiring energy, have assiduously labored for that end, is the gentleman whose name heads this brief sketch. A native of this county and a member of one of the most prominent families of the community, he has come to be well and favorably known, and by an honorable, upright career in life has gained for himself a reputation which is certainly of substantial worth. In 1820 John England emigrated to America and settled at Charleston, where he resided until his death, in 1842. He was one of the most learned as well as liberal expounders of the canons of the Romanish faith, and became the first bishop of the diocese of Georgia and the Carolinas. W. H. England, the father of Charles W., settled at Brownsville, then the county seat of Prairie County, Ark., emigrating from his home in Georgia. A man of more than ordinary attainments, he became at once one of the leading citizens, and was elected first county treasurer and circuit clerk, which position he was occupying at the time of his death, in 1861. Charles W. England was born at Brownsville, Ark., February 28, 1858, and received such educational advantages as the primitive days afforded. When fourteen years of age he began the battle of life for himself, and though conscious of possessing but the rudiments of an education, with untiring zest he applied himself to his task, determined to succeed. Commencing as a common laborer, he saved from his scanty earnings enough to acquire opportunities for learning that could be had in the district schools, afterward supplementing this course with an attendance at the University of Virginia. He had also spent some time at Emery and Henry College. In 1877 he entered upon the study of law under the efficient instruction of Judge Henry C. Caldwell, at Little Rock, and was admitted to the bar in May of 1882, before the supreme court of the State. He at once began the practice of his profession at Little Rock, becoming a member of the law firm of England & Gibbon, and it was not long before his ability and learned knowledge of the law were recognized. In 1883 Mr. England formed a partnership with his brother, the firm being then incorporated as John C. & C. W. England. In the year 1887 he became associated with John C. England & Co., abstractors and dealers in real estate, at Lonoke, the interests of which firm are widespread. Mr. England has taken an active part in the progress and up building of this place, and the city owes much to him for its rapid growth and prosperity, and the prominence to which it has attained. He is secretary of the school board, and one of the organizers and presidents of the Bank of Lonoke, also a member of and attorney for the Lonoke Building & Loan Association. In societies he is identified with the K. of P. In December, 1882, Mr. England was united in marriage with Miss Jennie Philbrick, a native of Tennessee, who came with her parents to Arkansas. She is a cultured and refined lady, making hosts of friends in the various circles which she enters. Mr. England’s home is an ideal one, such cordiality and hospitality always prevailing as gives assurance of welcome. Here, surrounded by deserved comfort, he lives in the enjoyment of universal esteem.