Biography of William F. Blackwell, Randolph Co, AR

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Submitted by:  Bridgette Cohen <bcohen@conwaycorp.net>
        Date:  1998
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
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SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northeast Arkansas
Copyrighted and Published 1889 by Goodspeed Publishing Company

William F. Blackwell. Among the business men of Randolph County, Ark.,
who have won distinction as successful merchants, and who have, by
personal industry and genuine business ability, succeeded in
establishing a desirable trade, may be mentioned Mr. Blackwell, whose
name heads this brief biography. He was born in Lawrence County, Ark.,
December 20, 1851, and is a son of James and Parnesia Jane (Smith)
Blackwell, the former being a native of Virginia. He died while our
subject was two years old, while on his way home from New Orleans,
whither he had been on business, he having been a merchant and stock
dealer at the time of his death. After removing from his native State,
he first came to Tennessee, and afterward to Arkansas. His wife was
born in Lawrence County, this State, in 1828, and after his death she
married a Mr. Ellison, who left her again a widow some time after, and
she next wedded Bennett Holder, who is also dead. She is a member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church; she became the mother of four
children, two being now dead. Those living are Isabella, wife of Frank
M. Baker, and William F., who was educated in the schools of Lawrence
County, and from boyhood up has been familiar with mercantile life,
having acted in the capacity of salesman at Powhatan, Smithville.
Walnut Ridge, Delaplaine, Lauratown, and then in his present location.
One year after coming to Randolph County, he engaged in business for
himself, forming a partnership with W. W. Tanner, the firm being known
as Tanner & Blackwell. This partnership lasted until 1883, and since
that time Mr. Blackwell has been in business alone. The first money he
earned for himself was at picking cotton, and in all the enterprises
in which he has been engaged, his labors have been attended with good
results. He was so unfortunate as to be burned out in February, 1888,
but he has since retrieved his fortunes to some extent, and, in
connection with his business, is engaged in farming. He received his
last appointment as postmaster in 1888. February 10, 1878, he was
married to Miss Mollie F. Tanner, daughter of W. W. Tanner, and by her
he is the father of four children: Jennie May, Pearl Grace and William
Harry. James Marvin, the eldest child, died in his third year. Mrs.
Blackwell was born in Obion County, Tenn., and is a member of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and her husband belongs to the
Methodist Episcopal Church. South. He is a Democrat. His career has
placed him before the public as a successful financier, and his
reputation has been obtained by tireless industry, a keen foresight of
events, and a judicious use of his means.