Benton Co., AR - Biographies - Thomas Alfred Mespadden

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Thomas Alfred Mespadden, farmer, of Benton County, Ark., was born in 
Monroe County, Tenn., in 1828. His father, Samuel McSpadden, was of
Scotch-Irish descent, and was born in Jefferson County, Tenn., in 
1790. He was married in that county to Miss Mary Lowry, also a native 
of Tennessee, and soon afterward moved to Monroe County, where he 
spent the remainder of his days. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, 
and was with Jackson at New Orleans. He was a firm supporter of "Old 
Hickory." and voted for him for the presidency. He was married 
three times, and by his first wife. Mary Lowry, who died in 1832. he 
became the father of six sons, only three of whom are living. Thomas 
Alfred was his fifth child, and was reared on a farm and made his home 
with his father until over twenty-three years of age. He then went to 
Lawrence County, Mo., where he purchased 120 acres of land and entered 
eighty more acres, and began farming on his own responsibility. In 
1861 he enlisted in Capt. Lotspiech's company, and was at the battle 
of Wilson's Creek. While at home on furlough he was captured 
and taken to Springfield, where he was retained for some time. He served
 in all about six months. In 1866 he sold his property in 
Missouri, and became a citizen of Benton County, Ark., his first 
purchase in real estate amounting to eighty acres, which he has since 
increased to 194 acres. He is a stanch Democrat in his political 
views, and is a Master Mason. In 1853 he was married to Miss Elizabeth 
Williams, who was born in Polk County, Mo., in 1838, and by her is the 
father of nine children: Frances, the deceased wife of J. D. Douglass: 
Jennie, wife of S. McSpadden; Belle, wife of Robert Sikes, William B., 
James, John C., Thomas C., Milton, and Rebecca L., wife of Harry 
Warbritton. Mr. McSpadden and wife have been members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church for about sixteen years.