My Genealogy Hound

John E. Spates, merchant and farmer, Saratoga, Ark. Mr. Spates is a member of the mercantile and farming firm of Spates & Fricks, of Saratoga, and is one of the most successful business men of the town. He was born in Hardeman County, Tenn., December 22, 1840, and is the son of William R. and June (Erwin) Spates, natives of North Carolina and Tennessee, respectively. They were married in Hardeman County, Tenn., and after residing in that county for some time, finally moved to Giles County, Tenn., and from there to Arkansas in 1850, settling in Clark County. The father was a minister in the Missionary Baptist Church, being ordained at an early date, and followed this calling until his death, which occurred in April, 1863, at the age of fifty-three years. He was also a farmer. They were the parents of eight children, all of whom were reared in this county, and five of whom are yet living and make their home here: T. F. (merchant), W. R. (merchant), Mrs. Sarah T. Howell and Mrs. Martha Fricks. John E. Spates received a limited education in the common country schools, and after the death of his father, took charge of the farm. His occupation, until six years ago, was farming, and he owns one-third interest in 1,300 acres of land, with 700 acres under cultivation. This firm are also the owners of a gin, erected at a cost of 11,000. Mr. Spates has been three times married; first, to Miss Eliza Crabtree, a native of Arkansas, in 1865, and to them was born one child, who died in infancy. Mrs. Spates died in 1866. Mr. Spates was married the second time, in 1868, to Miss Fannie Fricks, a native of Georgia, but who was reared in Arkansas, and the fruits of this union were three children, one living, Mary E. (who was married in 1885, to J. C. Baning, a farmer). Mrs. Spates died in 1875, and Mr. Spates' third marriage occurred in 1877, to Miss Amanda Walker, a native of Arkansas. Six children were born to this union, all living with their parents. They are named Amauda L., Effie A., Azella, Autoa, Kay and Lela. Mr. Spates is a Republican, though not active, politically, and has held the position of justice of the peace of his township. He and Mrs. Spates are members of the Christian Church.