My Genealogy Hound

B. J. Stuart is a prosperous general merchant of Sevier County, Ark., and is a native of the State, born in 1854, a son of Robert and Sytha A. (Pettigrew) Stuart, both of whom were born in Arkansas, in 1824 and 1836, respectively. In 1849 the former took the “gold fever” and went to California, but in 1852 returned to his native State. He and wife still live in Sevier County, Ark., and are worthy tillers of the soil. Their son, B. J. Stuart, began doing for himself at the age of nineteen years, and for ten years followed the occupation of farming, after which he began operating a saw-mill, continuing two years. He was then chosen tax assessor of Sevier County, a position he held one term of two years, after which he opened a general mercantile establishment, but gave this up about a year later, to open a drug and grocery establishment, a calling he has successfully followed up to the present time. His stock of goods is invoiced at about $8,000, and he does an annual business of $15,000. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., having attained to the Chapter degree, is a supporter of Democratic principles, and he and wife are worthy members of the Missionary Baptist Church. He gives liberally of his means in the support of churches, schools, etc., and among his acquaintances and friends, the respect shown himself and wife is in full keeping with their well established reputation for liberality, hospitality and kindness of heart. In 1874 he was married to Miss Hannah Parker, a daughter of George B. Parker, of Arkansas, a successful farmer and justice of the peace, and to their union five children have been born: Oden N., Florence, Dora, Johanna R. and George B.