My Genealogy Hound

A. L. Aydelott, merchant, Surrounded Hill, Ark. The mercantile trade has long constituted one of the leading features in the commercial pursuits of our country, and in this line we have in Surrounded Hill a thoroughly representative house, controlled by Mr. A. L. Aydelott, who is regarded as an upright and energetic man of business, and respected in commercial and social circles. He is the son of S. D. and Elizabeth (Herring) Aydelott, and his birth occurred in Shelby County, Tenn., on the 16th of March, 1855. S. D. Aydelott owes his nativity to Hardeman County, Tenn., where his birth occurred November 18, 1819, and he moved with his parents to Kentucky when quite young. There he received his education, and after reaching his majority returned to his native State, and was united in marriage to Mrs. Elizabeth (Herring) Whitley. To this union were born three children: William L., Alfred L. and Johnny L. The father was a blacksmith by trade, also a merchant, and in connection carried on agricultural pursuits. He is the owner of about ninety-two acres of land near Arlington, Tenn. He and wife are now living in Shelby County, Tenn. They are members of the Old School Baptist Church, and have the esteem and respect of all who know them. During the late war the father enlisted in the Confederate army, One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Regiment Tennessee Volunteers, and was in the battles of Corinth and Shiloh. At the end of fourteen months he was discharged on account of age, returned home, and began merchandising at Memphis. A. L. Aydelott received a good practical education in the schools of Memphis, Tenn., and there remained until December, 1877, when he immigrated to Ark., and located on his present fine property. Upon his first advent into Arkansas he was without means, and began business for himself by working as sub-manager on a plantation. By 1878 he had accumulated some money, and he then returned to Tennessee, where he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah D. Gillespie, daughter of Jefferson and Mary Gillespie, on the 13th of February of that year. To this marriage have been born six children: Kate E. (deceased), Josie L., Grace A. (deceased), Ellise and Clarence (twins), and an infant, Herbert. Mr. Aydelott began merchandising in October, 1884, on a capital of $1,000, which has since been increased to $55,000; is the owner of about 600 acres of good land, and has under cultivation about 140 acres. He runs a public gin that is situated in Surrounded Hill, and which has all the latest improvements, and he also owns an interest in a saloon. Mr. Aydelott is progressive in his ideas, and his farm, which is well stocked, shows care and attention. He was a member of the K. of H., and was Dictator as long as he held membership; was also postmaster at Surrounded Hill for one term, and he is deeply interested in church and educational matters.