My Genealogy Hound

John B. Beard, a prosperous and well-known farmer and ginner of Howell Station, is a native of Arkansas and was born in 1851, being the son of Samuel and Eliza (Beauy) Beard. Samuel Beard came to Arkansas from Mississippi, at an early day, and settled in Woodruff County. He was an industrious, enterprising farmer and citizen, and his death, which occurred in 1857, was mourned by many. His excellent wife survived him about fifteen years. Of a family of seven children, John B. and one other are the only surviving members, he being the younger. He was reared by his widowed mother, and as the school facilities of his boyhood were few, his education was of necessity neglected, but by constant reading and his keen sense of observation he has become a well-informed man. In 1881 Mr. Beard was married to Mollie, daughter of Thomas and Esther Berry. Mrs. Beard is a native of Arkansas, her birth occurring in Woodruff County, where her aged father is now residing, her mother having died some years ago. Mr. Berry was one of the early settlers of this portion of the country, and relates many interesting episodes of the first experience of the pioneers, what they were obliged to submit to, their privations and inconveniences without number; these now seem almost improbable. To Mr. and Mrs. Beard a family of four children have been born, three sons and one daughter. He has 600 acres of land with 300 under cultivation, and in connection with the substantial buildings of his farm he owns a fine town residence. His farm is only three miles from town, which of course makes it very much more valuable. He certainly is justified in feeling proud of his possessions, for they are his only by personal efforts and hard work. He is a Democrat and voted for Greeley in 1872. He is a liberal contributor, and lends his support to all worthy movements for the good or growth of the county. Mrs. Beard is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.