My Genealogy Hound

Elder R. W. Hammett, a grocery merchant of Fort Smith, Ark., was born in Marion County, Miss., March 4, 1829, being the son of James and Sarah (Head) Hammett, and grandson of William Hammett, who was a Revolutionary soldier and a captain in that war. James Hammett was a native of Georgia, born in 1787, and was a farmer by occupation. He located in Alabama, and there spent the greater portion of his life. He died at the age of ninety-six years. The Hammetts were Baptists, as were also the Heads, who were natives of Georgia. Sarah (Head) Hammett was the mother of ten children, three now living, Elder R. W. being the seventh in order of birth. His maternal grandmother was a Ray. Elder R. W. Hammett attained his grown in Alabama, and came to Arkansas with the intention of remaining a short time and then going back. He was educated in Salisbury Institute, Batesville, Ark., was converted in 1847, and the following year he commenced preaching, or exhorting. He was ordained deacon in 1853, an elder in 1855, and still keeps up his license to preach. He was for thirty-five years a traveling preacher in Arkansas and adjoining States, and now preaches occasionally. He was presiding elder of the Clarksville District when the war broke out, and was an uncompromising Union man. He stood manfully at his task and through all dangers, preached the Gospel. After the war he became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and helped reorganize that church in the State. He was presiding elder in the church for many years, and has filled the stations at Fort Smith from 1855 to 1857, Helena in 1858 and Fayetteville in 1859. He was married in 1860 to Miss Elizabeth Dobson, a native of Cleveland, N. C., born August 1, 1842, and to them were born four living children: Ellis (a saddler by trade), James (tinner), Leonodia Dobson and Mattie P. Two children died in infancy: Richard and Myrtle. Mr. Hammett is the owner of a house and lot in the city, is a Mason, an Odd Fellow, a temperance man, and one who is universally respected.