My Genealogy Hound

J. M. E. Sisk is a man well known to the early settlers of Mississippi County, Ark., and is respected for his straightforward course through life, and beloved by all for his noble, Christian qualities of mind and heart. His birth occurred in Jackson County, Ala., in 1833, he being the third of eight children born to Willis Sisk and Frances (Money) Sisk, who were originally from North Carolina. The father was a farmer and mechanic, and died in Alabama in 1873, followed by his wife in 1886. The knowledge that J. M. E. Sisk acquired was only such as could be learned on the home farm, for his school days only amounted to about thirteen months. At the age of nineteen years he commenced a mercantile career in Tennessee, but one year later abandoned this occupation to take up farming in his native State, which received his attention until 1856. Two years later he came to Mississippi County, Ark., and settled in Chickasawba Township, where he purchased eighty acres of land, on which he erected a house, added other improvements, and made his home until 1869, being one of the well-known and respected residents of the community. At the latter date he purchased another farm, which embraced 160 acres, which by industry and good management he soon made into a pleasant home, but in 1882 he sold this farm also. Since that time he has resided on a 140 acre farm on North Chickasawba, where he has erected good fences and a residence, and has one of the best orchards in the county. In the spring of 1889 he started a grocery store in Blythesville, and by his agreeable and pleasant manners, and fair dealing, he is securing a good patronage. He entered the Confederate service in 1863, Capt. Barton’s company, and served in the Trans-Mississippi Department, participating in the battle of Helena. He was sent home in July, 1884, and did not again enter the service. In 1875 he was appointed constable of Chickasawba Township by the Governor, and was afterward elected to the office, serving in all about nine years. He has also been school director six years, and assisted in organizing the school districts and churches. He was married in 1853, while a resident of Alabama, to Miss Nancy L. Temple, of that State, and to them have been given the following children: James P., who is married and lives in the county; Hiram W., also married and residing in St. Francis County; John W., married and residing in Chickasawba; Jesse D., married and making his home in Osceola; Evan W., Benoni, Frances (widow of Thomas Perry), Sarah (deceased), Susa (wife of B. J. Rook), Charlotte, Roberta (deceased) and Alice. Seven of the family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.