My Genealogy Hound

Kelley Monroe Hulsey, farmer and stock-raiser. Among those who have become intimately associated with the farming and stock-raising interests of this county we cannot fail to mention Mr. Hulsey, who, from a very early period in life, has given his attention to this channel of business-life, gaining for himself a reputation which may be a source of pardonable pride. He is the son of Kelley and Sarah (Smalley) Hulsey, the former probably a native of Georgia, and the latter of South Carolina. The elder Hulsey was married in Arkansas, about 1820, and was a successful agriculturist all his life. He served five years in the War of 1812, and participated in one of the principal battles. His father, Charles Hulsey, probably moved to Arkansas about 1811 or 1812, and was one of the earliest settlers of the northeast part of the State. Joseph Smalley, the maternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, moved to Arkansas about 1812. Kelley Monroe Hulsey was born on the 12th of December, 1827, in Independence County, Ark., within one mile of his present home. Like other farmer boys, he early learned the principles of farm life, and received his education in the schools of the county. He was one of five children born to his parents: Allen (deceased), Rachel A. (deceased), Charles (deceased), Warren and Kelley M. After the death of his first wife the brother married Miss Eliza Adams; Rachel A. Hulsey married Mr. John W. Fowler, by whom she had one child (she and her husband are now both deceased); Kelley M. Hulsey chose for his companion in life Mrs. Mary Jane (Wiley) Gibbons, and was married to her on the 20th of October, 1850. In 1863 he enlisted in Col. Dobbins’ cavalry, and served until cessation of hostilities. He participated in the battles of Helena, Little Rock, Grand Prairie, and numerous skirmishes. In 1870 he purchased 148 acres of land, in its virgin state, and eighty acres of this he has cultivated, and is now living on the same. It is considered one of the finest small farms in Independence County, beautifully situated, on the banks of White River. While Mr. Hulsey has not attempted to raise fancy stock, he has upon his farm good grades of horses, cattle, sheep and hogs. He is a member of McGuire Lodge No. 208, A. F. & A. M., Oil Trough, Independence County, Ark., and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has filled the offices of justice of the peace and constable in a very satisfactory and creditable manner.