My Genealogy Hound

John O’Steen, ex-county and probate judge, and merchant, Paragould. In these days of money-making, when life is a constant struggle between right and wrong, it is a pleasure to lay before an intelligent reader the unsullied record of an honorable man. To the youthful it will be a useful lesson—an incentive to honest industry. John O’Steen was born in Panola County, Miss., on April 27, 1845, and is the son of Harvey and Elizabeth (True) O’Steen, both of Scotch origin. The parents were married in Alabama, and in 1834 removed to Panola County, Miss., where the mother died in 1852. The father passed his last days in Craighead County, Ark., dying there in 1865. Of the seven children born to this marriage, three are now living: Mary, wife of W. G. Starling; John, and Samuel. The father was a blacksmith, and also a gunsmith, which occupation he followed up to the time of his death. John O’Steen was partly reared and educated in Panola County, Miss., but moved with his father to Craighead County, Ark., in 1859. He went to work in the shop, learning the gunsmith trade of his father, and now has the reputation of being the finest gunsmith in Northeast Arkansas. In 1862, during the late war, he was very anxious to become a soldier, but could not obtain the consent of his parents. His mind was so wrapped up in it that, notwithstanding all obstacles, he ran away from home, and enlisted in Capt. Adair’s company, serving about three years. He was in several hard skirmishes, but, on account of being a cripple, he could not keep up with his command, and in consequence was captured by scouts, who kept him in custody about two weeks. In 1870 he chose for his partner in life Miss Bethany A. Jones, a native of Alabama, and the fruits of this union were two children: Mary A. and Nora Inez. The same year of his marriage Judge O’Steen came to Greene County, Ark., and carried on his trade until 1888, when he sold out, and engaged in the mercantile business, which he still continues. He was elected probate and county judge in 1882, and re-elected in 1884 and 1886, thus serving six successive years. Prior to his election he served four years as justice of the peace, and served one term as constable. Judge O’Steen is one of the prominent men of Greene County, and may be counted among the pioneers, having been a resident here for thirty years. He is the owner of 160 acres of land, with about forty acres under cultivation. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and also of the I. O. O. F.