My Genealogy Hound

John Thomas Tarpley, merchant and farmer, Elmo, Ark. This name is not unfamiliar to those in the vicinity of Elmo, as well as to those in the county, for he who bears it is numbered among the highly-respected citizens of this community. Born on the 16th of October, 1857, he is the son of John Wesley and Sarah Elizabeth (Phillips) Tarpley, who were originally from Alabama. The parents came to Arkansas in March, 1870, located in Independence County on what is known as the Baily farm, where the father died on the June following, after an illness of three years. In their family were eight children: Edward Everett, born on the 5th of February, 1855, residing in Independence County; John Thomas, Dora Ann, married M. J. Harris; Eugene, lives in Texas; Lucella, married F. M. Copps; Belle P., lives in Boone County; Murillah, married Mr. William L. McMullen, and lives in Christian Township, and Finis Wesley, now attending school. John Thomas Tarpley commenced business for himself at the age of twenty-one years, first as a farm hand, and in 1881 he rented land. In 1885 he made his first purchase of land, twenty acres, all under cultivation, and in 1888 he bought twenty acres more adjoining his first purchase, this being also under cultivation. In 1885 he also purchased 120 acres in Jackson County, all of which was covered with heavy timber, which Mr. Tarpley has cleared and has about thirty acres under fence. On the 20th of January, 1889, he purchased a stock of drugs and groceries, which he opened up in Elmo, and is now carrying on in a very successful manner. He contemplates putting in a good line of dry goods in the near future, and will have one of the best stores in the township. In his political principles he is closely associated with the Republican party, as was his father before him. His grandparents on both sides were old-line Whigs in their political views. Mr. Tarpley is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, is a member of the Masonic fraternity, McGuire Lodge No. 208, and Oil Trough Chapter No. 84. He is active in all enterprises, whether religious, social or educational, and contributes liberally of his means to each and all.