My Genealogy Hound

Dr. J. W. Bruton. As a man of business Mr. Bruton’s name and fame is co-extensive with Pope County and the surrounding country. He has been closely identified with every interest of this section, and as a merchant has built up a large and paying business by his ability and foresight. He was born in Pope County, Ark., on January 15, 1837, to James and Sallie (Angel) Bruton, who were born in Kentucky and Tennessee in 1796 and 1806, respectively, the former passing to his long home in 1862, and the latter in 1854. James Bruton was a minister of the Baptist Church, and represented Pope County in the State Legislature for three terms, being one of the leading citizens of this section during his day. J. W. Bruton has spent the most of his life in Pope County, and, notwithstanding the fact that his early advantages were poor, he has by self-application become a well-posted and intelligent man. Upon attaining his majority he began making his own way in the world, and after devoting considerable time to the study of medicine he, in 1865, began practicing that profession, but in 1886 was compelled to give up this calling on account of failing health. He then threw open to the public a general mercantile store at Appleton with a stock of goods worth about $2,000, and this calling he has continued with flattering success up to the present time. Dr. Bruton is also a minister of the gospel, and first began preaching the doctrines of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in 1878. He was married in October, 1858, to Miss Jennie Montgomery, a daughter of John C. and Matilda (Grayson) Montgomery, by whom he became the father of these children: Elliot K., James H., Elnora V. (deceased), Viola E., Theora A., Nettie L. and Mittie M. Dr. Bruton volunteered in the Confederate Army in 1862, but was discharged at the end of three months on account of ill health.