My Genealogy Hound

Thomas Jefferson Withers came to this county with his father at the age of five years, and remained on the home farm until the father’s death, which occurred in 1876. He then purchased a tract of land and commenced farming for himself, also being engaged in teaching school for three years. In 1881 Miss Mary E. Ratton became his wife. She was a daughter of William Ratton, of Kentucky nativity, and is now the mother of one son, Clarence W. Mr. Withers was born in Kentucky, March 26, 1862, as the son of Thomas Upton Withers, who was engaged in farming in the Blue Grass State (Kentucky), and after moving here was occupied in furnishing the Mississippi steamers with wood. At this calling he was making a good income, until 1858, when, during the high water he lost several hundred cords of wood, which financially crippled him. He then came to St. Francis County, where he resided until his death in 1867, at the age of fifty-nine. His wife, who was born here, survived him eleven years. Mr. Withers owns a farm of 185 acres, of which over 100 acres are under cultivation. He is engaged in stock raising principally, and is one of the most successful farmers in Griggs Township, although a young man not yet twenty-eight years of age. He is also a leading Democrat, and having served three years as justice of the peace, and at this time holds the office of school director, and supervisor of roads of his township, being a prominent member of the County Wheel. Mrs. Withers belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.