My Genealogy Hound

J. P. House, merchant, Augusta, Ark. To be successful in any calling in life a man must be honest, industrious and saving, and with these essential qualities he cannot fail to accumulate property, and at the same time hold the respect and esteem of his fellow-men. Mr. House was originally from Hardeman County, Tenn., and is the son of A. B. House, a native of Tennessee, and a planter, who is still residing in White County, Ark. The maiden name of the mother was Eliza Wilkes, who was also a native of Tennessee. J. P. House was in his eighth year when he came to White County with his parents, in 1858. He received a fair education in the common schools, and early in life was taught the duties of farm life. He left the parental roof at the age of eighteen years, and clerked in a store for three years. He then studied law, and was admitted to the bar in White County, where he practiced his profession for four years in that and Woodruff Counties. He established the Vidette in 1877, and ran it until 1879, when he gave it up. After this he began keeping books for Hamblet & Penn, and held this position until 1884, when he engaged in mercantile pursuits with a partner, E. H. Conner, the firm title still continuing House & Conner. They carry a general line of merchandise, and are doing a successful business. Mr. House selected his wife in the person of Miss L. Purssell, and was united in marriage to her in 1880. She died in 1886, leaving one child, John. W. Mr. House is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Knights & Ladies of Honor, and Knights of Pythias, and a Knight Templar and Knight of Honor.