Biography of Zach T Wasson, Searcy Co, AR

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Submitted by: Joy Fisher < >
        Date: 21 Jan 2008
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ZACH T. WASSON, Point Peter, Ark. Of that sturdy and independent class, the
farmers and stockmen of Arkansas, none are possessed of more genuine merit and a
stronger character than he whose name stands at the head of this sketch. He has
risen to a more than ordinary degree of success in his calling, and wherever
known is conceded to be an energetic and progressive tiller of the soil, imbued
with all those qualities of goaheadativeness which have characterized his
ancestors. He was born at the old homestead, a son of Eli Jackson and Angeline
(Vorhies) Wasson, natives of Indiana and Tennessee, respectively, their marriage
having been celebrated in the last mentioned State. They afterward drifted
westward for the love and excitement of adventure, and Mr. Wasson chose this
wild canebrake for their abode. Like the most of the early settlers of Searcy
County, he was particularly fond of gunning and the enchanting melodies of the
deer hound, and almost numberless were the deer and bears that fell at the
command of his flint-lock rifle. Occasionally this beautiful dream was disturbed
by a prowling redskin, but as the iron heel of civilization advanced and the
hunting grounds of the savages were changed to waving fields of grain, the dusky
sons of the forest ceased to be an annoyance. The Wassons settled in Searcy
County, Ark., fifty years ago, and at the end of two years settled on the farm
on which the subject of this sketch now resides, which place they greatly
improved. Mr. Wasson's death occurred July 30, 1868, and that of his wife July
20, 1875. In addition to following agricultural pursuits Mr. Wasson was also
engaged in blacksmithing, and was a hard-working, industrious man, honorable and
straightforward in every particular, and everyone was his friend. He did not
take any part in the late war, when the States were undergoing their terrible
conflict, but enjoyed the quietude of home life. His manner of speech and
sympathy for the Secessionist stamped him a true Southerner. Thirty years ago
this now beautiful heritage was a Confederate camp for one-half mile up and down
the valley, for there the camp-fires of Comodura's army of 15,000 glittered like
so many fire-flies at night. As a memento of this General, Mr. Wasson has in his
possession a large key, which presumably belonged to Comodura's safe. In the
pioneer days of Searcy County the Wasson place became widely known as a kind of
country inn, and Mr. Wasson performed the duties of host to many a traveler. He
was an active Democrat in politics. The children born to himself and wife were
as follows: Mary I., wife of William Drewry, of this county, born in 1838;
Webster W., residing on Bear Creek, was born in 1846; Zach T., was born in 1848;
Millard, was born July 23, 1856; Eli C, was born April 20, 1859, and is residing
on Richland Creek; and Elvira, born March 7, 1854, is the widow of George W.
Campbell. On the farm on which he now lives, Zach T. Wasson was reared, but on
account of the Civil War he received but little mental training. March 14, 1872,
he was married to Miss Lavina F., daughter of Col. John and Ann Campbell (see
sketch of C. H. Campbell), who came from Tennessee to this locality during the
early history of this section and settled on Calf Creek, where Mrs. Wasson was
born. She and Mr. Wasson have two sons: John Campbell and Oscar Dinsmore. Mr.
Wasson's estate comprises 246 acres of fine farming land, situated on Richland,
surrounded by fine mountain scenery, in one of the most delightful and equable
climated regions in the State. The nearness of the mountains, with their rich
verdure of wild growth, affords exceedingly fine pasturage for stock, and his
place is one of the best improved in the way of buildings, fences, etc., in the
county. To the south is a terminus of the Boston Mountain range, which rises up
sublimely against the sky, and a public highway winds to the summit, whence a
fine view can be had of the Buffalo River region, a beautiful stretch of
mountainous country, which reminds one of the waves of the sea with its graceful
undulations. Mr. Wasson inherited a portion of his property, but the most of it
has been obtained through his own efforts, and he has every reason to be pleased
with the success of his labors. He is of German-Irish descent and in personal
appearance is tall and commanding. The expression of his face is resolute, and
the fire and patriotism of his pioneer ancestors burns brightly in his keen
black eyes. He is a member of Point Peter Lodge No. 358, of the A. F. & A. M.,
and politically has been a life-long Democrat, his first presidential vote being
cast for Horace Greeley in 1872 and for every Democratic candidate since that
time.

Extracted from:

A REMINISCENT HISTORY OF THE OZARK REGION

COMPRISING A CONDENSED GENERAL HISTORY, A BRIEF DESCRIPTIVE HISTORY OF EACH
COUNTY, AND NUMEROUS BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF PROMINENT CITIZENS OF SUCH COUNTIES.

ILLUSTRATED.

CHICAGO: GOODSPEED BROTHERS, PUBLISHERS.
1894.