Submitted by Lisa Hamilton Thanks Lisa!

Goodspeed, 1890
J. H. Laster. Tennessee has given to Arkansas many estimable citizens, but she has contributed none more highly respected, or, for conscientious discharge of every duty in every relation of life, more worthy of respect and esteem than is the subject of this sketch. He was born in Wilson County, in 1820, but since 1831 has been a resident of Arkansas, and since 1837 of Johnson County. His parents, Frederick and Nancy (Smith) Laster, were born in the Palmetto State, and as early as 1810, became residents of the state of Tennessee, where they continued to reside, engaged in agricultural pursuits, until 1831, when they located in Lawrence County, Ark., their declining years being spent, however, in Johnson County.

Here, J. H. Laster has since made his home, and although he attended the common schools in this and his native State, it was only for a short time each year, consequently his knowledge did not extend far beyond the three R's. He helped to build the first school house that was ever erected in Johnson County. When he had attained his twentieth year he began making his own way in the world, and farming and tanning have been his chief calling ever since, in each of which he has been reasonably successful.

He served in the Confederate Army during the Rebellion, serving from 1863 till the close of the war, being wounded in the shoulder in April, 1864, at Marks' Mill.

He was married in September, 1841, to Miss Sarah A. Patrick, daughter of John W. and Susan (Lee) Patrick, and unto them the following children were born: John R. (deceased), Abe, Rebecca, Emily C., Julia A., Susan (deceased), Jane, Seth P., Seldom L. (deceased), James D. (deceased), Bell and Lou. The children that are living are married with the exception of Seth P.

Mr. Laster and his sons are Democrats, and he and his wife and children are members in good standing of the Presbyterian Church.

Lisa Hamilton submitted the above data from Goodspeeds; she did so to help others, is not researching the above person or families mentioned therein.

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