My Genealogy Hound

L. W. Gosnell. The life and character of this public-spirited citizen of Mississippi County will bear a much more detailed history and analysis than are presented on this page. Though a young man, he has wielded a remarkable influence, and today a review of his career since locating here, without a dollar, rising to a position of worth and affluence, demonstrates him to be an individual above the ordinary. Young Gosnell attended school at Jonesboro, Tenn., until eighteen years of age, always applying himself diligently to his studies. After clerking two years for an uncle he went to Middle Tennessee, and was occupied in work on railroad construction for about two years. In March, 1876, he concluded to seek his fortune farther west, and came to Arkansas, engaging as clerk in the store of Mr. Williams, at Barfield, for one year, after which he settled in Chickasawba, where he was interested in wielding the ferule for about one year. This occupation not being entirely suited to his tastes, he resumed clerking, being in the employ of J. B. Tisserand, who had established the first permanent store in what is now Blythesville; and after one year spent in discharging the duties of that position, he was admitted as a partner, the firm taking the name of J. B. Tisserand & Co. Subsequently it was changed to L. W. Gosnell & Co., under which title it still continues. This house carries a stock of goods valued at $6,000, and every transaction being thoroughly honest and reliable, the members draw to their establishment a large and lucrative custom. The building in which they are now located was erected in 1876. They also own extensive tracts of land in the county, 900 acres comprising what is known as the Cook farm, one and one-half miles west of Blythesville, 400 of which are under cultivation. This place was the home of the old Indian Chief Chickasawba, who had a hut on one of the mounds there, and where he died many years ago. Besides this tract, they have 400 acres under cultivation in various sections, and last year they shipped 970 bales of cotton. The entire amount of their superior land aggregates about 3,000 acres, Mr. Gosnell owning a half interest and also an interest in another general store. He was married in 1879 to Miss Bettie Hill, an estimable lady, a native of Tennessee, and a daughter of J. W. Hill. They have three children: Mervin, Kate and Laura. The pleasant residence of Mr. and Mrs. Gosnell which was erected in 1882, in the village of Blythesville, is a home indeed, and at once a monument and a reward of patient continuance in well-doing, hard toil and sober living. Mrs. Gosnell is a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. Gosnell ranks as a noticeable illustration of that indomitable push and energy which characterize men of determination and will. His success is unusual, but due largely to his excellent judgment, and strict honesty and upright dealings, and the proud position he now occupies as a representative citizen is a just tribute to his worth.