T. P. McArthur, born in Winston County, April 12, 1874, at the age of thirteen moved to Quitman County with his parents. During his early days he tilled the soil for a livelihood for himself and the family, but as he grew into young manhood he went into the timber business, which was at that time a very lucrative industry here. He helped to flat millions of feet of lumber to the nearest market--which was Vicksburg. The trip, starting from Marks on the Coldwater River, would take five weeks, but with food and crude facilities with which to prepare it, the trip was at least bearable. At the age of twenty-three, he was married to Miss Ida Bonner, who only lived seven months after marriage, dying with appoplexy. In December, 1897, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Orr, and to this union have been born five children. At one time he was tax assessor and made a splendid officer. Scrip was worth fifty cents on the dollar when he went into office, but at the close of his four year term it was worth a dollar for dollar. He over doubled tax receipts and exhibits, with a pleasure copy of a complimentary write up in the "Jackson Daily News" calling this the Banner County of Mississippi. Later, Mr. McArthur, was elected sheriff, and subsequently served three terms with the required intervening four years between each one. In this latter office he showed wonderful native ingenuity in the management of it, placing capable men in the offices. He served as general field man and was adept in the act of capturing stills, blind tigers, etc. He used the hand of justice, but where there was crime "Philey," as he was known by his numerous friends, always produced results, even if it was sometimes hard for him.
Works Progress Administration for Mississippi, Source Material for Mississippi History, Quitman County, Vol. LX, Compiled by State-Wide Historical Research Project, Susie V. Powell, State Supervisor, 1936-1938.