My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Union County, Arkansas published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1890.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

* * * *

J. C. Massey, planter. New London, Ark. Mr. Massey has been identified with the agricultural affairs of the county for many years, and his farming operations are conducted in a manner indicative of a progressive, thorough tiller of the soil. He is the fifth of eight children born to the marriage of Thomas and Mary (Moore) Massey, both natives of the Palmetto State. The father was born in 1801 and emigrated with his parents to Tennessee, but later went to Mississippi, where he selected Miss Moore as his companion in life. Their union was blessed by the birth of the following children: Quitman (deceased), Marion (deceased), George (deceased), Alex, Marshall (deceased),Thomas (deceased), and Matilda (deceased). In 1872 the father emigrated to Arkansas, resided with his son, J. C, for two years, and then went to Hope, Ark., where he made his home with his daughter until his death, which occurred in 1878. He was an active, enterprising man, and one respected for his straightforward course. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and Mrs. Massey was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. J. C. Massey was educated in Louisiana, and in 1861 he enlisted in the Confederate army, Company G, Third Arkansas Regiment, under Capt. J. W. Ready. He was in the battles of Chickamauga, Wilderness, Fredericksburg, Sharpsburg and Darbytown. He was wounded October 7, 1864, by a ball passing through his right thigh and fracturing the bone, was taken to the hospital at Richmond, Va., where he remained until August 9, 1865. He then returned home September 4, 1865, and attended school for some time, after which he engaged in farming. On December 13, 1869, he married Miss Melvina Perry, a native of Arkansas, and to them have been born the following interesting children: Edgar L., George C, Mary A. (deceased), and John H. The three now living reside at home. Mr. Massey has always followed agricultural pursuits, and is the owner of 160 acres of land with forty acres under cultivation. He has his farm well stocked, and is progressive and thorough in all his enterprises. He is a member of the young men’s political club. Mrs. Massey is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church.

* * * *

This family biography is one of 84 biographies included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Union County, Arkansas published in 1890.  For the complete description, click here: Union County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

To view additional Union County, Arkansas family biographies, click here

Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of other family biographies.