My Genealogy Hound

Frank Nance, a prominent merchant of Kingston, Madison Co., Ark., and the son of George W. and Mary H. (Shasted) Nance, was born in Dallas County, Tex., June 23, 1854. The father was born on the banks of the Big Sandy River, in Kentucky, August 17, 1824, and is now living in Menard County, Ill. When but a lad he was taken by his parents to Illinois, and in 1850 or 1851 he went to Texas, where he lived for seven years. Previous to this, in 1846, he enlisted in Capt. A. D. Wright’s company of infantry, and went to the Mexican War. He was at the battles of Vera Cruz and Cerro Gordo, and received a sunstroke at one of the above mentioned places. After returning from Mexico he married Miss Mary H. Shasted, who was born in Illinois, April 13, 1831. To their marriage were born nine children, six now living: Rebecca, wife of J. J. Morris; Frank Byrd; Ellen, wife of John Atchley; Scott and Stamper. The father of these children lived in Texas seven years, and then moved to Madison County, Ark., locating near St. Paul, and there resided until 1863, when he moved back to Illinois. In 1869 he returned to Madison County, Ark., and in 1873 he went to Greene County, Mo., and resided there about a year, when he again returned to Madison County, Ark. After moving around for some time he finally settled in Illinois, where he is now living. He is a farmer and carpenter, is also a good mechanic, and can make almost anything out of wood. His son, Frank, received a liberal education in the public schools of Menard County, Ill., and finished under Prof. D. C. Bolinger, at Huntsville. Previous to going to Huntsville he attended school for some time at St. Paul. After finishing he taught school for some time in Madison County, and while teaching the school at Kingston, in 1881, he formed a partnership with W. H. Cecil in the mercantile business. About a year later he bought out his partner, and after running the business for one year moved the stock of goods to Buffalo, Newton County, and here continued one year, after which he returned to Kingston and formed a partnership with J. F. Basham. One year later he bought out his partner, since which time he has continued in business alone. April 1, 1877, he married Mrs. Ellen Stephens, who was born in Barry County, Mo., and who bore him one son, Denver. Mrs. Nancy was the daughter of A. Alderson, and the widow of Lafayette Stephens, by whom she had one son, Walter. From 1875 to 1878 Mr. Nance was deputy clerk under W. A. Gage. He was appointed, in 1878, to fill the unexpired term of D. C. Bolinger as county examiner. This position he held until the first term of the county court after the next election. From 1881 until 1884 he was postmaster at Kingston, Ark., and in 1886 he was elected justice of the peace. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity at Kingston, and was senior deacon one term. Politically he is a stanch Democrat.