Son John B. East asked his father to write about his life. His granddaughter Penny East has the oriental copy hand written by Martin A. East.
M.A. East Autobiography
By: Martin Alonzo East (Year unknown)
I was born at Highland Madison Co. Illinois Jan. 10, 1839. My Father's name was Joseph-who died 3 months after my birth. I had a twin sister named Mary, an older brother Calvin (a Lieut) in Briggs' army-killed in the Battle of Murfreesboro, Tenn. Dec. 31, '62 My Mothers maiden name was Permelia Cason-her father (Hillery Cason) was a slave owner in Georgia-owned a farm on the Savannah River midway between Savannah and Augusta, Ga. Sold his slaves and farms and emigrated to Illinois in 1833, settling in Washington Co., Ill. I have often heard Mother speak about the strange phenomenon of the stars falling one night in Nov. 1833-her father was moving to Illinois and were encamped on the back of the Ohio River and witnessed the falling of the stars. (*(One of the most spectacular meteoric showers on record, visible all over North America, occurred in 1833.)
My Grandfather Cason moved from Illinois to Independence Co. Ark. in 1838, and Mother moved thither with a brother (Uncle Martin Cason) in August 1839, so I was about 8 months old when she came to Ark. We lived with Grandfather Cason till Mother married Dr. John Morris which was in March 1849.
My Father's people immigrated from Williamson Co., Tenn. (Near Nashville-about the time Mother's people came form Ga. And settled close neighbors. Father had several brothers. I recall some of their names Viz: Henry, William, Josiah, & James. Some of them were mill-wrights and one (I have forgotten which) owned and operated a mill in Illinois. Mother had a number of brothers and Sisters-every brother was a mechanic-brick and stone masons- plasterers except Uncle Will Cason who was by profession a painter. One of Mother's sisters married a man by the name of Baltimore, something of a politician and he died in Little Rock-he was a member of the Legislature at the time of his death - his widow afterwards married an abolitionist of Batesville, and with a brother (Uncle Hillery Cason) emmigrated to Oregon in 1850 - settling in Portland, Ore. Two of the Baltimore boys became newspaper men - and the Baltimore girl Augusta married Congressman Ellis of Spokane Falls, Oregon. She visited Uncle Simeon Cason at Batesville on the same trip. Through Uncle Simeon I learned of her trip and afterwards corresponded with her at Spokane.
In 1852 we rented the farm out for 4 years, and moved to Austin, Texas. Bought a "Block" about 4 Blocks N.E. of the State House - lived there one year and in '53 moved mid-way between Bastrup and Lockhart - in Bastrup Co. - living there till Sept. 1856 - we moved back to the farm in Independence County, Arkansas. We came by way of Fort Smith. I drove 5 yoke of oxen down Garrison Ave. - the first business house was Bastic Griffith Pennyweights & Co. where we bought supplies. It was on the spot of the B Bare House Cor. 2 St. A young man by the name of Ramay drove 4 yoke of oxen all the way from Austin to Batesville. The Avenue looks "shust" a little different now from then?
There were several log shacks on the Av. & quite a lot up around Texas Cor. Mostly occupied by soldiers.
It so happened that I never got any schooling worth naming - I can only remember going altogether bout one month, but I guess few ever studied harder than I. If I could have had the opportunities and facilities of the present age - I would know more that I do. No knows better than I how a person is handicapped by reason of so little education.
John - could fill a dozen or two sheets like this but I guess this will do. Maybe I'll give you some of my army experiance in the future.
(1856)
In Oct. 1857 I worked in Mr. Hickens' Fruit Nursery with three other men. We received 8$ per month. I worked there until Nov. 1858 - Then I went to Brownsville Prairie Co. Ark. And joined the Annual Conference of the Methodist Protestant Church and was appointed to the Ozark and Clarksville Circuit- traveling there till Nov. "59 and was assigned to the Greenwood & Roseville Ct. - returning to Batesville (where the innual Conf. met) in Nov. 1860 - & was there assigned to the Searcy and Quitman Circuit - remaining there till Nov. 1861. Net with the Annual Conf. at Dover and was appointed to Cane Hill & Fayetteville Circuit but the bit "Sooting Match" was on hand - I mean the Civil War, and so I returned from Fayetteville and concluded to marry - was married the 3 of Feb. 1862 and settled down to farm life - in Dec. 1862 or Jan. 1863 I with 27 other made our way to Fayetteville, Ark. And enlisteding Company "I" 1st Ark. U.S. Val Infantry - commanded by Capt. William J. Heffingotn (known all over western Ark. As "Wild Bill") but as harmless and clever a gentleman as ever lived - he was killed in action near Cassville Mo. In June'63. After enlisting at Fayetteville in Feb. '63 I received orders to go to Sebastian Co. and bring out recruits. Uncle Cal Ruthford and I made our way back crossed the Ark. River some 6 miles below Van Buren in a dug-out and went home that night. The county was thick with Confederate Bushwhackers, seven of us got together and we swam the River about midnight - about a mile north of the Vinyard near Central. The late Judge John Howard furnished me a young mule to ride - no saddle, we plunged the River, all swam but my donkey, he went to the bottom several times, I couldn't swim so as he rose to the surface I caught him by the tail (after sliding back) and I caught up with the others and was the first to land on the north beach, in making an effort to get the bridle reins he kicked me in the left temple inflicting such a wound that affects me till this day. Mr. James Blythe who now lives between Jenny Lind and Fort Smith is the man who pulled me out of the water. Blythe, Cal Rutherford and myself are yet living, the other 4 have long since joined the "silent majority".
We arrived at Fayetteville and rejoined the Command and about April 1st '63 the entire army marched to Springfield, Mo. Remaining there till July then we were ordered to join General Blunt at Fort Gibson - then we started for Fort Smith and arrived there the 1st of Sept. 1863.
March 10th '64 the 3rd Div 7th A.C. Started form Forth Smith to join Steal's army - which moved south from Little Rock. A junction of the two armies was formed near Arkadelphia and after several enagements went into quarters at Camden on the Washita Riv. - at the Battle of Poison Springs. We lost several hundred 4 and 6 mule Gov. wagons and 74 killed - with the loss of 2 piceces 3 Indian Artilery. Ther 7th Army Corps retreated back to Little Rock arriving there about May the 1st '64. Our Division was soon ordered to Ft. Smith, where we arrived early in June '63, so our Division had marched almost continuously sence we left Fort Smith on March the 10th - we were out something like 80 or 90 days. At Little Rock I think I contracted Small Pox. I believe I walked far enough while in the army to go from Fort Smith to Denver and possibly further. I wish here to say that after swimming the Ark. River in the night that we came very near running into General Cabell's 1200 Cavalry - on the top of Mulberry Mountain this was about 4 o'clock the next day after crossing the river - that night we turned 7 head of houses and mules loose and took it afoot till we reached Fayetteville in about 2 ½ days. Our Regiment was "mustered out" of the service at Fort Smith Aug. 19, 1865 and I took a steamer for St. Louse and, finally landed at the old home in Independence Co. Sept. 1, '65. Moved to this Co. Nov. 1870.
John, I have scribbled this off from memory, of corse left out many "minor" details.
M.A. East
Records from Obituary:
He moved to Sebastian county Fort Smith AR in 1870.
Mr. East did not re-enter the traveling ministry after the war, but remained in the local ministry and did much perching and rendered a great deal of efficient service in conducting funerals and doing whatever work a local preacher is called upon to do. A really great life because it was a useful life.
He was survived by his wife and eight children. Mrs. Jones, wife of Dr. Jones of Paris, Ak. J.B. East of Cardin Feed Co., Fort, Smith Ak. A.H. East of Sulphur, Ok. M.H. East of Fort Smith, Mrs. B.W. McLellan, W.W. East, Miss Daisy East and Bonnie East of Auburn, Ak.
He was buried at Pinnell cemetery near Auburn.
(That land was later sold to the U.S. Army, they built Fort Chaffee there. The cemetery has at least 4 other East member. Martin Luther, Flordia Ann, Daisy L., and wife, Mrs. Elisa East and other family members.)
Martin Alonzo East , son of Joseph East and Permelia Cason, was born 10 January 1839 at Highland, Madison Co IL. Martin Van Buren was Presdent at his birth. Martin would see 20 Presdents thru this live time William Henry Harrison, John Taylor, James Poke, Zachary Taylor, Millared Filmore, Franklin Pierce, James Buchanan, Andrew Johnson, Ulysses Grant, Rutherford Hayes, James Garfield, Auther Chester, Grover Cleveland, Benjamin Harrison, and William Taft.
He was a baby when his family moved from Madison county, Ill. to Independence Co AR, where he grew up, except for four years in Austin, TX and Bastrop Co TX in the early 1850s. In Sebastian Co AR he married Eliza Harriett Jones on 3 February 1862. She was born 2 February 1842 in Greene Co TN, daughter of John Jones and Narcissa Rutherford. Martin was a farmer and a Methodist minister, and served in the Union Army during the Civil War. He and Eliza lived at Batesville until about 1870, then moved to Sebastian Co. Martin died in Auburn on 23 January 1913 Eliza died 1 December 1925 at Arkoma, OK They had thirteen children. Buried at Center Valley Cemtery originally Parnell Cemtery (Located on Camp Chaffee, AR near Charleston & Bloomer, AR) (Turn in at Gate No. 27 and go approximately 1/4 miles)
M.A. East Autobiography
By: Martin Alonzo East (Year unknown)
I was born at Highland Madison Co. Illinois Jan. 10, 1839. My Father's name was Joseph-who died 3 months after my birth. I had a twin sister named Mary, an older brother Calvin (a Lieut) in Briggs' army-killed in the Battle of Murfreesboro, Tenn. Dec. 31, '62 My Mothers maiden name was Permelia Cason-her father (Hillery Cason) was a slave owner in Georgia-owned a farm on the Savannah River midway between Savannah and Augusta, Ga. Sold his slaves and farms and emigrated to Illinois in 1833, settling in Washington Co., Ill. I have often heard Mother speak about the strange phenomenon of the stars falling one night in Nov. 1833-her father was moving to Illinois and were encamped on the back of the Ohio River and witnessed the falling of the stars. (*(One of the most spectacular meteoric showers on record, visible all over North America, occurred in 1833.)
My Grandfather Cason moved from Illinois to Independence Co. Ark. in 1838, and Mother moved thither with a brother (Uncle Martin Cason) in August 1839, so I was about 8 months old when she came to Ark. We lived with Grandfather Cason till Mother married Dr. John Morris which was in March 1849.
My Father's people immigrated from Williamson Co., Tenn. (Near Nashville-about the time Mother's people came form Ga. And settled close neighbors. Father had several brothers. I recall some of their names Viz: Henry, William, Josiah, & James. Some of them were mill-wrights and one (I have forgotten which) owned and operated a mill in Illinois. Mother had a number of brothers and Sisters-every brother was a mechanic-brick and stone masons- plasterers except Uncle Will Cason who was by profession a painter. One of Mother's sisters married a man by the name of Baltimore, something of a politician and he died in Little Rock-he was a member of the Legislature at the time of his death - his widow afterwards married an abolitionist of Batesville, and with a brother (Uncle Hillery Cason) emmigrated to Oregon in 1850 - settling in Portland, Ore. Two of the Baltimore boys became newspaper men - and the Baltimore girl Augusta married Congressman Ellis of Spokane Falls, Oregon. She visited Uncle Simeon Cason at Batesville on the same trip. Through Uncle Simeon I learned of her trip and afterwards corresponded with her at Spokane.
In 1852 we rented the farm out for 4 years, and moved to Austin, Texas. Bought a "Block" about 4 Blocks N.E. of the State House - lived there one year and in '53 moved mid-way between Bastrup and Lockhart - in Bastrup Co. - living there till Sept. 1856 - we moved back to the farm in Independence County, Arkansas. We came by way of Fort Smith. I drove 5 yoke of oxen down Garrison Ave. - the first business house was Bastic Griffith Pennyweights & Co. where we bought supplies. It was on the spot of the B Bare House Cor. 2 St. A young man by the name of Ramay drove 4 yoke of oxen all the way from Austin to Batesville. The Avenue looks "shust" a little different now from then?
There were several log shacks on the Av. & quite a lot up around Texas Cor. Mostly occupied by soldiers.
It so happened that I never got any schooling worth naming - I can only remember going altogether bout one month, but I guess few ever studied harder than I. If I could have had the opportunities and facilities of the present age - I would know more that I do. No knows better than I how a person is handicapped by reason of so little education.
John - could fill a dozen or two sheets like this but I guess this will do. Maybe I'll give you some of my army experiance in the future.
(1856)
In Oct. 1857 I worked in Mr. Hickens' Fruit Nursery with three other men. We received 8$ per month. I worked there until Nov. 1858 - Then I went to Brownsville Prairie Co. Ark. And joined the Annual Conference of the Methodist Protestant Church and was appointed to the Ozark and Clarksville Circuit- traveling there till Nov. "59 and was assigned to the Greenwood & Roseville Ct. - returning to Batesville (where the innual Conf. met) in Nov. 1860 - & was there assigned to the Searcy and Quitman Circuit - remaining there till Nov. 1861. Net with the Annual Conf. at Dover and was appointed to Cane Hill & Fayetteville Circuit but the bit "Sooting Match" was on hand - I mean the Civil War, and so I returned from Fayetteville and concluded to marry - was married the 3 of Feb. 1862 and settled down to farm life - in Dec. 1862 or Jan. 1863 I with 27 other made our way to Fayetteville, Ark. And enlisteding Company "I" 1st Ark. U.S. Val Infantry - commanded by Capt. William J. Heffingotn (known all over western Ark. As "Wild Bill") but as harmless and clever a gentleman as ever lived - he was killed in action near Cassville Mo. In June'63. After enlisting at Fayetteville in Feb. '63 I received orders to go to Sebastian Co. and bring out recruits. Uncle Cal Ruthford and I made our way back crossed the Ark. River some 6 miles below Van Buren in a dug-out and went home that night. The county was thick with Confederate Bushwhackers, seven of us got together and we swam the River about midnight - about a mile north of the Vinyard near Central. The late Judge John Howard furnished me a young mule to ride - no saddle, we plunged the River, all swam but my donkey, he went to the bottom several times, I couldn't swim so as he rose to the surface I caught him by the tail (after sliding back) and I caught up with the others and was the first to land on the north beach, in making an effort to get the bridle reins he kicked me in the left temple inflicting such a wound that affects me till this day. Mr. James Blythe who now lives between Jenny Lind and Fort Smith is the man who pulled me out of the water. Blythe, Cal Rutherford and myself are yet living, the other 4 have long since joined the "silent majority".
We arrived at Fayetteville and rejoined the Command and about April 1st '63 the entire army marched to Springfield, Mo. Remaining there till July then we were ordered to join General Blunt at Fort Gibson - then we started for Fort Smith and arrived there the 1st of Sept. 1863.
March 10th '64 the 3rd Div 7th A.C. Started form Forth Smith to join Steal's army - which moved south from Little Rock. A junction of the two armies was formed near Arkadelphia and after several enagements went into quarters at Camden on the Washita Riv. - at the Battle of Poison Springs. We lost several hundred 4 and 6 mule Gov. wagons and 74 killed - with the loss of 2 piceces 3 Indian Artilery. Ther 7th Army Corps retreated back to Little Rock arriving there about May the 1st '64. Our Division was soon ordered to Ft. Smith, where we arrived early in June '63, so our Division had marched almost continuously sence we left Fort Smith on March the 10th - we were out something like 80 or 90 days. At Little Rock I think I contracted Small Pox. I believe I walked far enough while in the army to go from Fort Smith to Denver and possibly further. I wish here to say that after swimming the Ark. River in the night that we came very near running into General Cabell's 1200 Cavalry - on the top of Mulberry Mountain this was about 4 o'clock the next day after crossing the river - that night we turned 7 head of houses and mules loose and took it afoot till we reached Fayetteville in about 2 ½ days. Our Regiment was "mustered out" of the service at Fort Smith Aug. 19, 1865 and I took a steamer for St. Louse and, finally landed at the old home in Independence Co. Sept. 1, '65. Moved to this Co. Nov. 1870.
John, I have scribbled this off from memory, of corse left out many "minor" details.
M.A. East
Records from Obituary:
He moved to Sebastian county Fort Smith AR in 1870.
Mr. East did not re-enter the traveling ministry after the war, but remained in the local ministry and did much perching and rendered a great deal of efficient service in conducting funerals and doing whatever work a local preacher is called upon to do. A really great life because it was a useful life.
He was survived by his wife and eight children. Mrs. Jones, wife of Dr. Jones of Paris, Ak. J.B. East of Cardin Feed Co., Fort, Smith Ak. A.H. East of Sulphur, Ok. M.H. East of Fort Smith, Mrs. B.W. McLellan, W.W. East, Miss Daisy East and Bonnie East of Auburn, Ak.
He was buried at Pinnell cemetery near Auburn.
(That land was later sold to the U.S. Army, they built Fort Chaffee there. The cemetery has at least 4 other East member. Martin Luther, Flordia Ann, Daisy L., and wife, Mrs. Elisa East and other family members.)
Martin Alonzo East , son of Joseph East and Permelia Cason, was born 10 January 1839 at Highland, Madison Co IL. Martin Van Buren was Presdent at his birth. Martin would see 20 Presdents thru this live time William Henry Harrison, John Taylor, James Poke, Zachary Taylor, Millared Filmore, Franklin Pierce, James Buchanan, Andrew Johnson, Ulysses Grant, Rutherford Hayes, James Garfield, Auther Chester, Grover Cleveland, Benjamin Harrison, and William Taft.
He was a baby when his family moved from Madison county, Ill. to Independence Co AR, where he grew up, except for four years in Austin, TX and Bastrop Co TX in the early 1850s. In Sebastian Co AR he married Eliza Harriett Jones on 3 February 1862. She was born 2 February 1842 in Greene Co TN, daughter of John Jones and Narcissa Rutherford. Martin was a farmer and a Methodist minister, and served in the Union Army during the Civil War. He and Eliza lived at Batesville until about 1870, then moved to Sebastian Co. Martin died in Auburn on 23 January 1913 Eliza died 1 December 1925 at Arkoma, OK They had thirteen children. Buried at Center Valley Cemtery originally Parnell Cemtery (Located on Camp Chaffee, AR near Charleston & Bloomer, AR) (Turn in at Gate No. 27 and go approximately 1/4 miles)
Son John B. East asked his father to write about his life. His granddaughter Penny East has the oriental copy hand written by Martin A. East.
M.A. East Autobiography
By: Martin Alonzo East (Year unknown)
I was born at Highland Madison Co. Illinois Jan. 10, 1839. My Father's name was Joseph-who died 3 months after my birth. I had a twin sister named Mary, an older brother Calvin (a Lieut) in Briggs' army-killed in the Battle of Murfreesboro, Tenn. Dec. 31, '62 My Mothers maiden name was Permelia Cason-her father (Hillery Cason) was a slave owner in Georgia-owned a farm on the Savannah River midway between Savannah and Augusta, Ga. Sold his slaves and farms and emigrated to Illinois in 1833, settling in Washington Co., Ill. I have often heard Mother speak about the strange phenomenon of the stars falling one night in Nov. 1833-her father was moving to Illinois and were encamped on the back of the Ohio River and witnessed the falling of the stars. (*(One of the most spectacular meteoric showers on record, visible all over North America, occurred in 1833.)
My Grandfather Cason moved from Illinois to Independence Co. Ark. in 1838, and Mother moved thither with a brother (Uncle Martin Cason) in August 1839, so I was about 8 months old when she came to Ark. We lived with Grandfather Cason till Mother married Dr. John Morris which was in March 1849.
My Father's people immigrated from Williamson Co., Tenn. (Near Nashville-about the time Mother's people came form Ga. And settled close neighbors. Father had several brothers. I recall some of their names Viz: Henry, William, Josiah, & James. Some of them were mill-wrights and one (I have forgotten which) owned and operated a mill in Illinois. Mother had a number of brothers and Sisters-every brother was a mechanic-brick and stone masons- plasterers except Uncle Will Cason who was by profession a painter. One of Mother's sisters married a man by the name of Baltimore, something of a politician and he died in Little Rock-he was a member of the Legislature at the time of his death - his widow afterwards married an abolitionist of Batesville, and with a brother (Uncle Hillery Cason) emmigrated to Oregon in 1850 - settling in Portland, Ore. Two of the Baltimore boys became newspaper men - and the Baltimore girl Augusta married Congressman Ellis of Spokane Falls, Oregon. She visited Uncle Simeon Cason at Batesville on the same trip. Through Uncle Simeon I learned of her trip and afterwards corresponded with her at Spokane.
In 1852 we rented the farm out for 4 years, and moved to Austin, Texas. Bought a "Block" about 4 Blocks N.E. of the State House - lived there one year and in '53 moved mid-way between Bastrup and Lockhart - in Bastrup Co. - living there till Sept. 1856 - we moved back to the farm in Independence County, Arkansas. We came by way of Fort Smith. I drove 5 yoke of oxen down Garrison Ave. - the first business house was Bastic Griffith Pennyweights & Co. where we bought supplies. It was on the spot of the B Bare House Cor. 2 St. A young man by the name of Ramay drove 4 yoke of oxen all the way from Austin to Batesville. The Avenue looks "shust" a little different now from then?
There were several log shacks on the Av. & quite a lot up around Texas Cor. Mostly occupied by soldiers.
It so happened that I never got any schooling worth naming - I can only remember going altogether bout one month, but I guess few ever studied harder than I. If I could have had the opportunities and facilities of the present age - I would know more that I do. No knows better than I how a person is handicapped by reason of so little education.
John - could fill a dozen or two sheets like this but I guess this will do. Maybe I'll give you some of my army experiance in the future.
(1856)
In Oct. 1857 I worked in Mr. Hickens' Fruit Nursery with three other men. We received 8$ per month. I worked there until Nov. 1858 - Then I went to Brownsville Prairie Co. Ark. And joined the Annual Conference of the Methodist Protestant Church and was appointed to the Ozark and Clarksville Circuit- traveling there till Nov. "59 and was assigned to the Greenwood & Roseville Ct. - returning to Batesville (where the innual Conf. met) in Nov. 1860 - & was there assigned to the Searcy and Quitman Circuit - remaining there till Nov. 1861. Net with the Annual Conf. at Dover and was appointed to Cane Hill & Fayetteville Circuit but the bit "Sooting Match" was on hand - I mean the Civil War, and so I returned from Fayetteville and concluded to marry - was married the 3 of Feb. 1862 and settled down to farm life - in Dec. 1862 or Jan. 1863 I with 27 other made our way to Fayetteville, Ark. And enlisteding Company "I" 1st Ark. U.S. Val Infantry - commanded by Capt. William J. Heffingotn (known all over western Ark. As "Wild Bill") but as harmless and clever a gentleman as ever lived - he was killed in action near Cassville Mo. In June'63. After enlisting at Fayetteville in Feb. '63 I received orders to go to Sebastian Co. and bring out recruits. Uncle Cal Ruthford and I made our way back crossed the Ark. River some 6 miles below Van Buren in a dug-out and went home that night. The county was thick with Confederate Bushwhackers, seven of us got together and we swam the River about midnight - about a mile north of the Vinyard near Central. The late Judge John Howard furnished me a young mule to ride - no saddle, we plunged the River, all swam but my donkey, he went to the bottom several times, I couldn't swim so as he rose to the surface I caught him by the tail (after sliding back) and I caught up with the others and was the first to land on the north beach, in making an effort to get the bridle reins he kicked me in the left temple inflicting such a wound that affects me till this day. Mr. James Blythe who now lives between Jenny Lind and Fort Smith is the man who pulled me out of the water. Blythe, Cal Rutherford and myself are yet living, the other 4 have long since joined the "silent majority".
We arrived at Fayetteville and rejoined the Command and about April 1st '63 the entire army marched to Springfield, Mo. Remaining there till July then we were ordered to join General Blunt at Fort Gibson - then we started for Fort Smith and arrived there the 1st of Sept. 1863.
March 10th '64 the 3rd Div 7th A.C. Started form Forth Smith to join Steal's army - which moved south from Little Rock. A junction of the two armies was formed near Arkadelphia and after several enagements went into quarters at Camden on the Washita Riv. - at the Battle of Poison Springs. We lost several hundred 4 and 6 mule Gov. wagons and 74 killed - with the loss of 2 piceces 3 Indian Artilery. Ther 7th Army Corps retreated back to Little Rock arriving there about May the 1st '64. Our Division was soon ordered to Ft. Smith, where we arrived early in June '63, so our Division had marched almost continuously sence we left Fort Smith on March the 10th - we were out something like 80 or 90 days. At Little Rock I think I contracted Small Pox. I believe I walked far enough while in the army to go from Fort Smith to Denver and possibly further. I wish here to say that after swimming the Ark. River in the night that we came very near running into General Cabell's 1200 Cavalry - on the top of Mulberry Mountain this was about 4 o'clock the next day after crossing the river - that night we turned 7 head of houses and mules loose and took it afoot till we reached Fayetteville in about 2 ½ days. Our Regiment was "mustered out" of the service at Fort Smith Aug. 19, 1865 and I took a steamer for St. Louse and, finally landed at the old home in Independence Co. Sept. 1, '65. Moved to this Co. Nov. 1870.
John, I have scribbled this off from memory, of corse left out many "minor" details.
M.A. East
Records from Obituary:
He moved to Sebastian county Fort Smith AR in 1870.
Mr. East did not re-enter the traveling ministry after the war, but remained in the local ministry and did much perching and rendered a great deal of efficient service in conducting funerals and doing whatever work a local preacher is called upon to do. A really great life because it was a useful life.
He was survived by his wife and eight children. Mrs. Jones, wife of Dr. Jones of Paris, Ak. J.B. East of Cardin Feed Co., Fort, Smith Ak. A.H. East of Sulphur, Ok. M.H. East of Fort Smith, Mrs. B.W. McLellan, W.W. East, Miss Daisy East and Bonnie East of Auburn, Ak.
He was buried at Pinnell cemetery near Auburn.
(That land was later sold to the U.S. Army, they built Fort Chaffee there. The cemetery has at least 4 other East member. Martin Luther, Flordia Ann, Daisy L., and wife, Mrs. Elisa East and other family members.)
Martin Alonzo East , son of Joseph East and Permelia Cason, was born 10 January 1839 at Highland, Madison Co IL. Martin Van Buren was Presdent at his birth. Martin would see 20 Presdents thru this live time William Henry Harrison, John Taylor, James Poke, Zachary Taylor, Millared Filmore, Franklin Pierce, James Buchanan, Andrew Johnson, Ulysses Grant, Rutherford Hayes, James Garfield, Auther Chester, Grover Cleveland, Benjamin Harrison, and William Taft.
He was a baby when his family moved from Madison county, Ill. to Independence Co AR, where he grew up, except for four years in Austin, TX and Bastrop Co TX in the early 1850s. In Sebastian Co AR he married Eliza Harriett Jones on 3 February 1862. She was born 2 February 1842 in Greene Co TN, daughter of John Jones and Narcissa Rutherford. Martin was a farmer and a Methodist minister, and served in the Union Army during the Civil War. He and Eliza lived at Batesville until about 1870, then moved to Sebastian Co. Martin died in Auburn on 23 January 1913 Eliza died 1 December 1925 at Arkoma, OK They had thirteen children. Buried at Center Valley Cemtery originally Parnell Cemtery (Located on Camp Chaffee, AR near Charleston & Bloomer, AR) (Turn in at Gate No. 27 and go approximately 1/4 miles)
M.A. East Autobiography
By: Martin Alonzo East (Year unknown)
I was born at Highland Madison Co. Illinois Jan. 10, 1839. My Father's name was Joseph-who died 3 months after my birth. I had a twin sister named Mary, an older brother Calvin (a Lieut) in Briggs' army-killed in the Battle of Murfreesboro, Tenn. Dec. 31, '62 My Mothers maiden name was Permelia Cason-her father (Hillery Cason) was a slave owner in Georgia-owned a farm on the Savannah River midway between Savannah and Augusta, Ga. Sold his slaves and farms and emigrated to Illinois in 1833, settling in Washington Co., Ill. I have often heard Mother speak about the strange phenomenon of the stars falling one night in Nov. 1833-her father was moving to Illinois and were encamped on the back of the Ohio River and witnessed the falling of the stars. (*(One of the most spectacular meteoric showers on record, visible all over North America, occurred in 1833.)
My Grandfather Cason moved from Illinois to Independence Co. Ark. in 1838, and Mother moved thither with a brother (Uncle Martin Cason) in August 1839, so I was about 8 months old when she came to Ark. We lived with Grandfather Cason till Mother married Dr. John Morris which was in March 1849.
My Father's people immigrated from Williamson Co., Tenn. (Near Nashville-about the time Mother's people came form Ga. And settled close neighbors. Father had several brothers. I recall some of their names Viz: Henry, William, Josiah, & James. Some of them were mill-wrights and one (I have forgotten which) owned and operated a mill in Illinois. Mother had a number of brothers and Sisters-every brother was a mechanic-brick and stone masons- plasterers except Uncle Will Cason who was by profession a painter. One of Mother's sisters married a man by the name of Baltimore, something of a politician and he died in Little Rock-he was a member of the Legislature at the time of his death - his widow afterwards married an abolitionist of Batesville, and with a brother (Uncle Hillery Cason) emmigrated to Oregon in 1850 - settling in Portland, Ore. Two of the Baltimore boys became newspaper men - and the Baltimore girl Augusta married Congressman Ellis of Spokane Falls, Oregon. She visited Uncle Simeon Cason at Batesville on the same trip. Through Uncle Simeon I learned of her trip and afterwards corresponded with her at Spokane.
In 1852 we rented the farm out for 4 years, and moved to Austin, Texas. Bought a "Block" about 4 Blocks N.E. of the State House - lived there one year and in '53 moved mid-way between Bastrup and Lockhart - in Bastrup Co. - living there till Sept. 1856 - we moved back to the farm in Independence County, Arkansas. We came by way of Fort Smith. I drove 5 yoke of oxen down Garrison Ave. - the first business house was Bastic Griffith Pennyweights & Co. where we bought supplies. It was on the spot of the B Bare House Cor. 2 St. A young man by the name of Ramay drove 4 yoke of oxen all the way from Austin to Batesville. The Avenue looks "shust" a little different now from then?
There were several log shacks on the Av. & quite a lot up around Texas Cor. Mostly occupied by soldiers.
It so happened that I never got any schooling worth naming - I can only remember going altogether bout one month, but I guess few ever studied harder than I. If I could have had the opportunities and facilities of the present age - I would know more that I do. No knows better than I how a person is handicapped by reason of so little education.
John - could fill a dozen or two sheets like this but I guess this will do. Maybe I'll give you some of my army experiance in the future.
(1856)
In Oct. 1857 I worked in Mr. Hickens' Fruit Nursery with three other men. We received 8$ per month. I worked there until Nov. 1858 - Then I went to Brownsville Prairie Co. Ark. And joined the Annual Conference of the Methodist Protestant Church and was appointed to the Ozark and Clarksville Circuit- traveling there till Nov. "59 and was assigned to the Greenwood & Roseville Ct. - returning to Batesville (where the innual Conf. met) in Nov. 1860 - & was there assigned to the Searcy and Quitman Circuit - remaining there till Nov. 1861. Net with the Annual Conf. at Dover and was appointed to Cane Hill & Fayetteville Circuit but the bit "Sooting Match" was on hand - I mean the Civil War, and so I returned from Fayetteville and concluded to marry - was married the 3 of Feb. 1862 and settled down to farm life - in Dec. 1862 or Jan. 1863 I with 27 other made our way to Fayetteville, Ark. And enlisteding Company "I" 1st Ark. U.S. Val Infantry - commanded by Capt. William J. Heffingotn (known all over western Ark. As "Wild Bill") but as harmless and clever a gentleman as ever lived - he was killed in action near Cassville Mo. In June'63. After enlisting at Fayetteville in Feb. '63 I received orders to go to Sebastian Co. and bring out recruits. Uncle Cal Ruthford and I made our way back crossed the Ark. River some 6 miles below Van Buren in a dug-out and went home that night. The county was thick with Confederate Bushwhackers, seven of us got together and we swam the River about midnight - about a mile north of the Vinyard near Central. The late Judge John Howard furnished me a young mule to ride - no saddle, we plunged the River, all swam but my donkey, he went to the bottom several times, I couldn't swim so as he rose to the surface I caught him by the tail (after sliding back) and I caught up with the others and was the first to land on the north beach, in making an effort to get the bridle reins he kicked me in the left temple inflicting such a wound that affects me till this day. Mr. James Blythe who now lives between Jenny Lind and Fort Smith is the man who pulled me out of the water. Blythe, Cal Rutherford and myself are yet living, the other 4 have long since joined the "silent majority".
We arrived at Fayetteville and rejoined the Command and about April 1st '63 the entire army marched to Springfield, Mo. Remaining there till July then we were ordered to join General Blunt at Fort Gibson - then we started for Fort Smith and arrived there the 1st of Sept. 1863.
March 10th '64 the 3rd Div 7th A.C. Started form Forth Smith to join Steal's army - which moved south from Little Rock. A junction of the two armies was formed near Arkadelphia and after several enagements went into quarters at Camden on the Washita Riv. - at the Battle of Poison Springs. We lost several hundred 4 and 6 mule Gov. wagons and 74 killed - with the loss of 2 piceces 3 Indian Artilery. Ther 7th Army Corps retreated back to Little Rock arriving there about May the 1st '64. Our Division was soon ordered to Ft. Smith, where we arrived early in June '63, so our Division had marched almost continuously sence we left Fort Smith on March the 10th - we were out something like 80 or 90 days. At Little Rock I think I contracted Small Pox. I believe I walked far enough while in the army to go from Fort Smith to Denver and possibly further. I wish here to say that after swimming the Ark. River in the night that we came very near running into General Cabell's 1200 Cavalry - on the top of Mulberry Mountain this was about 4 o'clock the next day after crossing the river - that night we turned 7 head of houses and mules loose and took it afoot till we reached Fayetteville in about 2 ½ days. Our Regiment was "mustered out" of the service at Fort Smith Aug. 19, 1865 and I took a steamer for St. Louse and, finally landed at the old home in Independence Co. Sept. 1, '65. Moved to this Co. Nov. 1870.
John, I have scribbled this off from memory, of corse left out many "minor" details.
M.A. East
Records from Obituary:
He moved to Sebastian county Fort Smith AR in 1870.
Mr. East did not re-enter the traveling ministry after the war, but remained in the local ministry and did much perching and rendered a great deal of efficient service in conducting funerals and doing whatever work a local preacher is called upon to do. A really great life because it was a useful life.
He was survived by his wife and eight children. Mrs. Jones, wife of Dr. Jones of Paris, Ak. J.B. East of Cardin Feed Co., Fort, Smith Ak. A.H. East of Sulphur, Ok. M.H. East of Fort Smith, Mrs. B.W. McLellan, W.W. East, Miss Daisy East and Bonnie East of Auburn, Ak.
He was buried at Pinnell cemetery near Auburn.
(That land was later sold to the U.S. Army, they built Fort Chaffee there. The cemetery has at least 4 other East member. Martin Luther, Flordia Ann, Daisy L., and wife, Mrs. Elisa East and other family members.)
Martin Alonzo East , son of Joseph East and Permelia Cason, was born 10 January 1839 at Highland, Madison Co IL. Martin Van Buren was Presdent at his birth. Martin would see 20 Presdents thru this live time William Henry Harrison, John Taylor, James Poke, Zachary Taylor, Millared Filmore, Franklin Pierce, James Buchanan, Andrew Johnson, Ulysses Grant, Rutherford Hayes, James Garfield, Auther Chester, Grover Cleveland, Benjamin Harrison, and William Taft.
He was a baby when his family moved from Madison county, Ill. to Independence Co AR, where he grew up, except for four years in Austin, TX and Bastrop Co TX in the early 1850s. In Sebastian Co AR he married Eliza Harriett Jones on 3 February 1862. She was born 2 February 1842 in Greene Co TN, daughter of John Jones and Narcissa Rutherford. Martin was a farmer and a Methodist minister, and served in the Union Army during the Civil War. He and Eliza lived at Batesville until about 1870, then moved to Sebastian Co. Martin died in Auburn on 23 January 1913 Eliza died 1 December 1925 at Arkoma, OK They had thirteen children. Buried at Center Valley Cemtery originally Parnell Cemtery (Located on Camp Chaffee, AR near Charleston & Bloomer, AR) (Turn in at Gate No. 27 and go approximately 1/4 miles)
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