My Genealogy Hound

Hardy J. Westbrook, one of the leading planters of Howard County, made his entrance into the world September 15, 1825, in the sunny State of Alabama. He is one of the eight children born to Allen and Frankey (Huff) Westbrook, the others being Mary, Elizabeth, Saleta, Henry, Patolomy, Nancy, Stiry and James W., who is at present in Texas. The father was a very public spirited man and willing at all times to advance worthy causes. He served in the Florida War. After the death of his beloved wife, he married Miss Ellen Ward, who died shortly after marriage. Once more he married, and this time the object of his choice was Miss Procila Acock, a native of Alabama. They had three children, viz.: Edmund F., William and Thomas. Our subject was educated in Arkansas, and at the age of twenty-one began, farming for himself, and on March 15, 1846, was married to Miss Phereby J. Briscoe, a native of Alabama. They have had sixteen children, twelve of whom are still living: Sarah E., James A., Francis A., Thomas H., Joseph E., Mary L., Louisa J., Robert W., William H., George V., Hector J. and Susan E., Mary D. (deceased), Joel B. and Josephine J. are twins, and Oly P. Westbrook. Mr. Westbrook is a planter, owning 200 acres of valuable land, which is excellently well cultivated. He was one of the first school trustees, and has been a justice of the peace for eight years. All of Mr. Westbrook's family are Free-Will Baptists but three Sarah E., James A. and Thomas H., the latter being Missionary Baptist Preachers. Sarah E. does not belong to any church, but is Missionary in principle. Mr. Westbrook says he has four sons who pray in public, and also his wife. Personally he is not identified with any religious organization.