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Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Bradley 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.

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J. H. Abernathy, farmer, Warren, Ark. No worthy reference to the agricultural affairs of this county would be complete without mention of Mr. Abernathy, among others, engaged in tilling the soil. Besides enjoying to an unlimited extent the confidence and respect of all who know him, he comes of a family of children who have done credit to the name they bear. Mr. Abernathy was born in Jefferson County, Ala., December 2, 1839, and is one of twelve children, six now living, born to the union of Sterling G. and Elizabeth (Ware) Abernathy, and who are named as follows: James H., John W., Samuel C, Sterling G., Jr., Sarah M. (wife of Richard Ainsworth), and Saletia (wife of A. A. Smith). The parents of these children were natives, respectively, of Lincoln County, N. C, and Jefferson County, Ala. The Abernathy family is of English descent, and five brothers were early settlers of Petersburg, Va. The paternal grandparents emigrated to Mississippi in 1839, located in Pontotoc County, where both passed their last days. The maternal grandfather of our subject died in Alabama. Sterling G. Abernathy moved to Arkansas in 1861, settled in Calhoun County, and there followed agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred February 29, 1887. The mother died July 15, 1864. J. H. Abernathy divided his time in youth between assisting on the farm and in securing an education in the common schools of Mississippi. Perhaps it was but natural that, when starting out in life for himself, he should choose as his calling agricultural pursuits, for that had been the principal occupation of his ancestors. In 1859 he came to Arkansas, located in Calhoun County, and there tilled the soil until 1882, when he moved to Bradley County and located south of the town. He owns 504 acres of land, with 250 acres under cultivation, has a handsome residence, good, substantial outbuildings, and deals considerably in stock, keeping some thoroughbred cattle and merino sheep. In 1861 he enlisted in Company C, Eighth Confederate Cavalry, composed of Mississippi and Alabama troops, and served until the surrender. He was wounded slightly at the battle of Murfreesboro, and his horse was shot and fell on him. He was captured, taken prisoner to St. Louis, but there managed to make his escape, and joined his regiment at Middleton, Tenn. He was married, December 24, 1865, to Miss Sallie Wood, a native of Mississippi, who bore him seven children, five living: Hettie, Howard, Inez, George C. and Anna M. The two deceased were named Joseph and James D. Mr. Abernathy is a member of the K. of P., K. & L. of H. and also of the Agricultural Union. Mrs. Abernathy is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

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This family biography is one of 64 biographies included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Bradley County, Arkansas published in 1890.  For the complete description, click here: Bradley County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

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