My Genealogy Hound

W. A. Roy, farmer and stock raiser, Layton, Ark. Mr. Roy is a typical Arkansas citizen, substantial, enterprising and progressive, and such a man as wields no small influence in the community where he makes his home. He was born in Shelby County, Tenn., in 1836, and was the second in a family of ten children, born to the union of Merida and Susan (Gentry) Roy, the father a native of South Carolina, and the mother of Tennessee. Merida Roy came with his parents to Tennessee in 1807, settling in the middle part of the State, and after growing to manhood was united in marriage to Miss Gentry, a representative of one of the old and much honored families of Tennessee. He tilled the soil in that State, and was a prosperous and industrious farmer. He was a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Masonic fraternity for many years. His death took place in Shelby County, Tenn., in May, 1885, and his wife still survives him. She resides on the home farm in Shelby County. Their family was named as follows: John Thomas, presiding judge of Poinsett County; W. A., Eliza, now Mrs. Crain, resides in Tennessee; Frances, now Mrs. Clarridge, resides in Tennessee; Merida, married, and resides in Tennessee; Alfred, married, and a resident of Poinsett County; Daniel, resides in Poinsett County, and the remainder died when young. Tilling the soil was the pursuit W. A. Roy followed in youth, and his time was divided between this occupation and in attending the district school, where he received a good practical education. He was married, in Shelby County, Tenn., in 1857, to Miss Frances Jane Mustin, a native of Alabama, and the daughter of Henry and Hannah (Clark) Mustin, of Alabama nativity. Mr. and Mrs. Mustin first immigrated to Tennessee, thence to Jackson County, Ark., in the fall of 1860, and settled in Cow Lake Township. Here both parents passed their last days. After his marriage Mr. Roy located on a farm in Tennessee, and there resided until 1861, when he came to Jackson County, Ark., and entered 160 acres of land, which he immediately began to improve, erecting a house, setting out orchards, etc. He continued to add to the original tract from time to time, until he is now the owner of 520 acres, with ninety acres under cultivation. He raises corn entirely, but his renters raise considerable cotton. Mr. Roy lost his wife in 1879. By that union he became the father of two living children: William Newton and Melinda Alice. His second marriage was consummated in Jackson County, in 1879, to Miss Martha Taylor, a native of Jackson County, Ark., and the daughter of Richard and Melinda (Bigham) Taylor, natives of Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor came to Jackson County, in 1859, and there both closed their eyes to the scenes of this world. Mr. Roy lost his wife in 1887, and was left with four interesting children: Richard Charley, Louvenia J., Susan and Alafa. In 1888 Mrs. Susan (McFadden) Turner became the third wife of Mr. Roy. She was a native of South Carolina, the widow of Stephen Turner, and the daughter of Twitty McFadden, a native of South Carolina. Her father came to Jackson County, Ark., many years ago, and there died in 1868. Mr. Roy has been justice of the peace for some time, has been a member of the school board, and takes much interest in educational matters. He is a Democrat in politics. In 1862 he enlisted in Company C, Col. Matlock’s regiment, and was with Gen. Price on his raid through Missouri. He was in the battle of Prairie Grove and numerous skirmishes. He and Mrs. Roy are members of the Christian Church, and he is an elder in the same.