My Genealogy Hound

William H. Sanders. In speaking of a man as prominent, the word is often applied to those not worthy of the title, and at other times employed without a realization of its meaning. When applicably used in its true sense, it is the greatest compliment that can be given, and to refer to W. H. Sanders, the subject of this sketch, as a prominent man, only proper and fitting tribute is paid. Tuscaloosa County, Ala., claims the advent of his birth, in the year 1840, he being the son of John and Matilda (Morgan) Sanders. John Sanders, a native of Chester District, S. C., emigrated in 1817 to Alabama, before the Indians had entirely left that country, and located on the Black Warrior River, now known as Sanders’ Ferry. He acquired a reputation as one of the early pioneers of that State, and in fact the name of Sanders is associated with the early settlement of three different commonwealths. The progenitor of this illustrious family was Ezekiel Sanders, who came from England, settling in South Carolina prior to the Revolutionary War, in which he won a name and reputation for his spirit of daring and many acts of bravery, stamping him a man among men. When William H. was a lad of six, his father’s death threw responsibilities on his young shoulders which it would seem almost impossible for one of his years to perform. He assisted his mother in discharging the manifold duties of a large plantation, and from that time forward has won the admiration of many friends, for his keen sense of discernment, honesty in all business dealings, and a genialty that could never fail to draw around him a host of sincere friends. In 1860 he enlisted in the Old Warrior Guards, serving with them at the first battle of Manassas. At the expiration of his first term of enlistment, he became a member of Company D, Second Alabama Cavalry, in which he served until the final surrender, without having received a wound or being taken prisoner. At the close of the war he returned to his home, and shortly afterward married Miss Julia Ellis, of Alabama, a daughter of R. F. Ellis. He immediately engaged in farming and mercantile pursuits, in which he was, as a matter of course, very successful. In 1873, in company with his brother, Ezekiel Sanders, he moved to Arkansas, the latter dying in this State, in 1883. They located in what was then Pulaski County, where Mr. Sanders resumed his former occupation, that of farming and mercantile business. In 1885 he came to the town of Lonoke, entering into the livery business, and being identified with that branch of trade until 1885, since which time he has devoted his attention to buying and shipping horses and mules, besides farming and the real-estate business. For many years he was a member of the school board, which had in him one of their most efficient and influential members. He is a member in high standing of Lonoke Lodge No. 51, A. F. & A. M., having joined that fraternity in Alabama, and is also one of the original members of the K. of H. Mr. Sanders, with his wife, is a member of the Baptist Church, and in his political views he is a Democrat. Previous to the war the family were Whigs. To Mr. and Mrs. Sanders ten children have been born, six sons and four daughters, all living.