My Genealogy Hound

Judge B. F. Askew is the oldest attorney of the city of Magnolia, Ark., and is also the oldest resident of Magnolia Township, but was born in the Old North State in 1827. His education, however, was obtained in the schools of Eastern Alabama, and at the age of twenty-three years he began his legal studies in the office of J. H. Askew, his brother, and in 1852 was admitted to the bar of Alabama. The same year he came to Arkansas, and was almost immediately admitted to the bar of this State by Judge Watson, and afterward by the Supreme Court of the State. He began practicing in Columbia County, at what was then called Morgan & Ferguson’s Store, where the court was temporarily located, while the people were deciding upon the suitable place for the county seat, and in 1854 the first county court was held in the village of Magnolia. Judge Askew soon after moved thither, and almost immediately built up a paying practice, which steadily and substantially increased until his time was fully occupied. In 1863 he was elected third lieutenant of Company K, Nineteenth Arkansas Infantry, and served east of the Mississippi River until after the battle of Corinth, when he was discharged. He was at the bombardment of Fort Pillow, and after his return home was appointed provost-marshal of Columbia County, in which capacity he served to the end of the war, and in June, 1865, surrendered at Camden. The Judge found himself financially ruined at the close of the war, but with the determination, perseverance and energy which have ever characterized his efforts, he set to work to retrieve his fortunes, and as his farm of 300 acres had been left him, this proved a fair source of revenue. Upon again opening his law office his practice began to assume large proportions, and up to the present time has continued to give him plenty of employment. In 1872 he was elected State Senator, serving as such during 1873—74, and it was he who introduced the bill for a call of a constitutional convention, and that convention framed the present constitution, for which the people of Arkansas owe him much honor and credit. On June 5, 1883, he was elected the first circuit judge of the Thirteenth Judicial District, serving until the expiration of his term, and up to the present time this has ended his public career. He has always taken a leading part in national and State politics, and, being a strong Democrat, he is a leader of his party in this section. He was a stanch supporter of Whig principles during his younger days, and as he has always been noted for his intelligence, his modesty and kindly disposition, the people have delighted to do him honor. His first wife was formerly Miss S. A. Keener, their union taking place in 1850, and by her he has become the father of three children: Thomas N. (a farmer of the county), Blanche B. (wife of Samuel Garrett, a tiller of the soil in this county) and Dixie (wife of Sam W. Fears, of Magnolia). In 1869 the Judge’s second marriage took place, his wife being Miss Nancy E. Hartfield, a daughter of G. M. Hartfield (deceased). This union resulted in the birth of five children, one of whom is deceased: Those living are G. H., W. H., Nancy E. and Lizzie. Mrs. Askew is one of the leading members of the Baptist Church, and is well known for her charitable work and the aid she has given to the poor and oppressed. Judge Askew is a charter member of the A. F. & A. M., Columbia Lodge No. 82, Magnolia Chapter No. 11, Pike Council No. 8, and is also a charter member of Magnolia Lodge No. 24 of the I. O. O. F. He has filled nearly all the offices in both orders, and is a stanch supporter of secret organizations. He has been a successful financier, and is the owner of some 8,000 or 9,000 acres of land in this and other counties, also a considerable amount of town property, and is the heaviest tax-payer in the county. His parents— John and Elizabeth (King) Askew, were born in North Carolina, and the former was a hatter by trade, and served seven years at this calling after completing his apprenticeship. He afterward turned his attention to farming, and moved to Eastern Alabama, where he passed from life in 1866, at the age of seventy-seven years. He served in the Creek Indian War, although not an enrolled soldier, and side by side with many of his neighbors fought for the preservation of his home and family. His wife died on June 6, 1860, at the age of sixty years. Of seven children born to them four are now living: James E. (a farmer of the county), B. F. (the subject of this biography), Mrs. E. J. Rowell (of Alabama), and Mrs. S. A. E. Davis (of Florida).