Zachary Taylor Grayson

ZACHARY TAYLOR GRAYSON

the efficient Postmaster of Prescott was born in Hamilton County, Tenn., March 13, 1848. His father, John Greyson, also a native of Hamilton County, Tenn. was married in his native state to Miss Sallie Fricks, and remained in Hamilton County, Fenn, after his marriage until 1861 when he removed to Ouachita County, Arkansas where he successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits and accumulated considerable property. He served as Sheriff for 15 or 20 years and after coming to Ark., served several terms as Treasurer of Ouachita County, Ark. He died in this county at his home in 1882in his 63rd year. His wife died in 1873, a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr. Grayson was a Mason of high standing, having taken some of the higher degrees.

In polities, Mr. Grayson was a Whig first, end afterward a Republican, end during the late war was a Union man. There was born to his marriage eight sons and 3 daughters: James (killed in Price's raid through Mo.); Francis (the eldest, died in Ouachita, County); Jack (died when a young man in Tenn.) Henry L. (farmer Ouachita County); George W. (Washington, Hempstead Go); and Z. T., the subject of this sketch. Seven of these sons served in the Confederate Army, doing active and creditable service.

The subject of this sketch spent his youthful days in Hamilton County, Tenn. and Ouachita County, Ark., where he attended school. He entered Col. Hale's Reg. of Ark. Cavalry the last year of the War, and served until its close, soon after which he commenced to farm for himself in Ouachita County. In 1875, he came to Prescott, Nevada County. He still owns land in Ouachita County, about 1, 700 acres, 200 of which are under cultivation, On Coming to Prescott he opened a livery, business. In 1876 he was elected Marshal of Prescott and held that office ten years. In April 1869, he was appointed postmaster of Prescott. He served as Constable of Ouachita County for 8 years.

On January 19, 1867, he married Miss Alice Hawkins, daughter of John Hawkins, a native of Ouachita County, born April 25, 1849, and the fruits of this union were 9 children: James and Jack (twins); Thomas S.; Laura A.; Powell C.; Moley Lee; William Carl; Charley; and Susan J., Mrs. Grayson is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr. Grayson is a member of the Wheel; the Knights of Labor; and is a Republican.

Copied from a book now out of print titled, BIOGRAPHICAY AND HISTORICAL MEMOIRS OF SOUTHERN ARKANSAS. It was published in 1890 by the Goodspeed Publishing Company of Chicago, Nashville and St. Louis.