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Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Phillips County, Arkansas published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1890.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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Gen. L. H. Mangum, attorney at law, Helena, Ark. What is usually termed genius has little to do with the success of man in general. Keen perception, sound judgment, and a determined will, supported by persevering and continuous effort, are essential elements to success in any calling, and their possession is sure to accomplish the ends hoped for in the days of his youth. The jurisprudence of a commonwealth is the most necessary factor toward its growth and permanence, for, without a thorough knowledge and administration of the law no form of popular government could long exist. Gen. L. H. Mangum, by virtue of his ability as a jurist and his victories at the bar, is eminently worthy of a place in the record of successful men, and the history of his life is an important and honorable part of that of his State and country. He was born in Hillsborough, N. C., on May 26, 1837, and is the son of Priestly H. and Rebecca H. (Southerland) Mangum, natives of North Carolina. The maternal grandfather, Ranson Southerland, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and that family was one of the most prominent in the State of North Carolina. The Mangum family were originally from Wales, were early settlers of North Carolina, and W. P. Mangum was State senator from North Carolina for thirty years, being president of the senate during President Tyler’s administration. Priestly H. Mangum was a very prominent and noted lawyer, was solicitor for a number of years, and was also a member of the North Carolina legislature for a number of years. His whole heart was in his profession, for he loved the law and had the most exalted respect for its conscientious and honorable followers, and he found very little time to mingle with politics. His reputation was that of a safe counsellor, a fearless, eloquent, earnest, and most convincing advocate. His death occurred in 1850, and the mother’s in 1838. They were the parents of six children, three sons and three daughters, four of whom are now living. Wiley P. was consul-general, sent by President Lincoln to China and Japan, and held this position for twenty-one years. He died at Tientsin, China, in February, 1881. Catherine (deceased), Priestly H., Mary L. (wife of J. J. James, of N. C.), Rebecca T. (widow of John R. Williams), and Leonard H., who is the youngest of the family. The latter remained in his native State until eighteen years of age, having previously read law, and then entered the school at Princeton, N. J., graduating from the same in 1857. The same year he came to Helena, and in 1858 was admitted to the Helena bar, afterward forming a partnership with Gen. Cleburne & Scaife, under the firm title of Cleburne, Scaife & Mangum, the same continuing thus until the breaking out of the war, when all entered the army. Mr. Mangum enlisted in the celebrated Yell Rifles, and went out as second sergeant. He was badly wounded at the battle of Shiloh, where he had several horses shot from under him, and was shot seven times, through the hip, thigh, arm and hand. He was given up to die, but rallied and returned to the army. He was then offered a captaincy, but declined to serve, and went to Gen. Cleburne’s staff, where he remained until the surrender. After returning to Helena he found his library stolen, and although he had but $30 in money, he began practicing his profession and met with excellent success. This he continued until he was appointed by President Cleveland chief of warrants, land and territorial accounts, and steamboat inspector accounts, holding the position for four years, and then resigned on his own account, thinking that he ought to do so to give way to the opposing party. He held the office of probate judge for a number of years, and from time to time held the circuit judge’s place. He has been prominently identified with Phillips County for over thirty years, and was a member of the Democratic National Convention of 1868, held at New York, nominating Seymour and Blair, also of the convention of 1876. He served on the Committee of Resolutions and Platforms. He has been twice married, first to Miss Anna W. Nunn, by whom he had two children, one living: Wiley P., who is now in Washington City, and his second marriage was to Mrs. Fannie Metzger (nee Clements) of Helena. Personally, Gen. Mangum is upright, honorable and just in all matters concerning his political action, as well as in matters of private life. His entire career has been one to which he may refer with pardonable pride, and just satisfaction.

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This family biography is one of 103 biographies included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Phillips County, Arkansas published in 1890.  For the complete description, click here: Phillips County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

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