Jonathan Wilson Callaway Biography 1834 - 1894

JONATHAN WILSON CALLAWAY
In reviewing the lives of prominent citizens of Little Rock, the name of Jonathan Wilson Callaway (from the Peter Callaway line) is justly given an enviable position, for it is difficult to find one of the present day more entitled to honorable-mention, or who possesses to such an extent the universal esteem of his acquaintances. Born in Arkadelphia, Clark County, Ark., January 27, 1834, he is the son of Jonathan O. Callaway, who came to Arkansas with his father John Callaway, in 1817.

John Hemphill, the maternal grandfather of J. W. Callaway, came to Arkansas from South Carolina in December, 1811, and in 1814 erected large salt mills one mile east of the present site of Arkadelphia. For this purpose he purchased about sixty sugar-kettles in New Orleans, which were used in the manufacture of salt. The labor employed was principally that of the negroes brought by Mr. Hemphill from South Carolina. These salt works were operated mostly by the family until 1851, and supplied a large territory. They were rebuilt in 1861, and were operated by the Confederate States Government during the late war, and several additional furnaces were erected at the same place during that time by private enterprise.

Grandfather Callaway came to the Territory of Arkansas from Fredericktown, Mo., and settled near what is now Arkadelphia.

***** The family were pioneers in Kentucky with Daniel Boone, and with him went to Missouri. Flanders Callaway, a brother of the paternal grandfather, married the daughter of Daniel Boone, and Callaway County, Mo., was named for Capt. James Callaway, a son of Flanders Callaway. *****

(Since this biography was written, it has been proven that this family is not related to the Flanders Callaway family, and the paragraph above stating this connection is false. This family descends from Peter Callaway, who immigrated from England to Maryland. The Flanders Callaway family descends from Joseph Callaway, who immigrated from England to Virginia.)

For many years Jonathan O. Callaway was engaged in the salt works of his father-in-law, John Hemphill, but at the time of his death, in 1854, was an extensive cotton planter.

At the age of sixteen years Jonathan Wilson Callaway was employed as copylist in the county clerk's office, and subsequently held the position of bookkeeper in a large establishment.

In 1858 he began merchandising in Arkadelphia, which was abruptly discontinued at the breaking out of the war, that active part might be taken in the struggle. He was appointed first lieutenant in Capt. Flanagins's Company (E), McIntosh's regiment, later being made commissary of subsistence in the regimental brigade and division. He was afterward assigned to duty as assistant to the chief of bureau of subsistence for the Trans-Mississippi Department, with headquarters at Shreveport, La., and Marshall, Tex. His final surrender was made with the Confederate forces, at Shreveport, at the close of the war, in May, 1865, following which he walked the whole distance back to Arkadelphia.

In October, 1865, Mr. Callaway embarked in the commission business at Camden, Ark., which he continued until 1872, a part of the time residing at New Orleans in connection with his business interests.

In 1874 he was elected clerk of the State senate, and in 1876 received the nomination of the Democratic State convention for clerk of the chancery court, to which position he was elected. Removing to Little Rock he held the office for five terms, or ten years, then voluntarily retiring, much to the regret of those whose interests he had so well and faithfully served.

The year 1867 witnessed his marriage with Miss Annie Vickers, and to their union three children have been born: Lizzie, Mary and Estelle.

Mr. Callaway occasionally acts as commissioner or receiver of the Pulaski Chancery Court, and is lending his valuable assistance in populating Arkansas with immigrants and developing the immense resources of the county and State. He enjoys a wide acquaintance and the respect and esteem of a host of friends.

The above biography is from Central Arkansas Counties - Biographical & Historical Memoirs, Chapter 19, History of Pulaski County, pg. 427, 1889.