My Genealogy Hound

J. W. Hollis has risen to his present position as a prosperous planter of Lonoke County through his own merit. He was born in Amite County, Miss., March 7, 1839. John W. Hollis, his father, first saw the light of day in South Carolina, in 1814, being taken to Mississippi when but a boy, where he received his education, and married Ashia (Hilliard) Caird. A family of three children blessed this union, of whom two are now living, one in Texas, and the other residing in this State. The father was a farmer by occupation, and upon coming from Mississippi to Arkansas in 1852, settled in Ashley County where he owned 440 acres of good land. He held the office of justice of the peace for two years, and that of postmaster at Elon for three years. He and his wife were both members of the Missionary Baptist Church. J. W. Hollis, the subject of this sketch, was educated near Hamburg, Ashley County, Ark., and on November 21, 1866, was married to Julia Callaham, daughter of James and Matilda Callaham. To them a family of seven children was born: Bradford A., Norman L., John W., Zealier E., Amazon, Clyde U. and Julia A. Five of the children are living. Mr. Hollis owns a splendid farm of about 320 acres, 100 under cultivation. He served in the late war on the Confederate side of the cause, enlisting in 1862 under Gen. Palenight. The first hard battle in which he engaged was at Pleasant Hill, La. After this he participated in many skirmishes, being discharged in 1865, at the surrender of Jacksonport. Returning home he began to till the soil, continuing it to the present day. He is a member of the Wheel, having held the office of chaplain. He and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and were among the organizers of the South Bend Church in 1869. They take much interest in religious matters.