My Genealogy Hound

Capt. Jacob G. Becton is one of the experienced farmers and cotton-ginners of the county, and the property which he now owns has been accumulated by attending strictly to his chosen calling. He was born in New Berne, N. C, October 23, 1833, being a son of F. I. and Eliza (Rhodes) Becton, who were born, reared and married in North Carolina, the father being a farmer of that State. They reared their family in Jones County, and there the father died in 1843, his wife surviving him until 1845, she being married a second time, and with her last husband moved to Wayne County. Here Capt. Jacob G. Becton grew to manhood and was married here, moving some time afterward to Cumberland County, where he engaged in farming and merchandising until 1861, and in March of that year moved to Arkansas and made his home in Prairie County. In February, 1862, he enlisted in Capt. Bull’s company, Lanon’s regiment, but afterward became a member of Col. Craven’s regiment, and was promoted from a private to the rank of captain, and participated in the battles of Baker’s Creek, Corinth and a great many skirmishes. He was captured five times, and three times managed to make his escape, but the first time while held a prisoner he was kept on Johnson’s Island for nine months, and the second time at Point Lookout, Md., for three weeks. The year following his return from the war he engaged in farming near Des Arc, and that he has been successful is clearly shown when we state the fact that he owns 960 acres of land, nearly all of which is in one body, 800 acres being in the home place, of which 500 acres are under cultivation. He has a good frame residence, and his outbuildings are all commodious and in excellent repair. He has been the owner of a cotton-gin at Des Arc since 1886, and has been extensively engaged in cotton-ginning since that time. In 1855 he was married to Lizzie E., a daughter of John E. Becton, of Wayne County, N. C. Captain and Mrs. Becton have lost one daughter, Emma, who was the wife of W. L. Willeford, also three infants while they were residing in North Carolina. The Captain is a Master Mason, and his wife is an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.