R. H. Black, attorney, Pocahontas, Ark. As a leading citizen of Pocahontas in its professional, business and social life, lending eminent strength to her bar, tone to her finance and grace to her society, Mr. Black commands attention from the pen of the historian who would wish to do this [p.376] city justice. He owes his nativity to Randolph County, Ark., and is a son of William Black, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. He grew to manhood on his father's farm at Black's Ferry, in Randolph County, securing his education in the private schools of the county and at Shelbyville, Ky. He was admitted to the bar in 1866, and has been actively engaged in the practice ever since. He has been for two terms presiding attorney of the Second Judicial District of Arkansas, and in 1879 he represented Randolph County in the General Assembly, one term. In 1861, when the warcloud hung heavy over the United States, Mr. Black enlisted in the First Arkansas Cavalry, C. S. A., commanded by ex-Gov. Churchill, as private, and was made lieutenant after the second year. He served until May 14, 1864, when, at the battle of Resaca, Ga., he had the misfortune to lose his right arm by a gun shot wound, which disabled him from further service. He participated in the battles of Chickamauga, Murfreesboro and Richmond, Ky. and numerous other battles. After being discharged he came back to Pocahontas, began the study of law, was afterward admitted to the bar and opened office here. His marriage with Miss Virginia L. Criddle, a native of Jackson, Cape Girardeau County, Mo., occurred on November 14, 1867, and to them were born five children: Edward, Marvin, Waldo, Blanche and Ina. Mrs. Black died on the 26th of December, 1880, in full faith with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Mr. Black is a member of the I. O. O. F. and is not only a pleasant gentleman in the social walks of life, but is also among the first in his profession. He and his children are the owners of about 1,000 acres of land. (1889 Goodspeed of NE Arkansas)


(Poc. Star Herald obit.) Rufus Henson Black died Monday evening at the home of his son Bunk in Pocahontas. He was aged 73, buried Masonic Cemetery beside other members of his family. Mr. Black's paternal ancestors came to AR. from Ky. in 1815. His grandfather David Black settled on what is now know as Blacks Ferry on the Eleven Point River. The father of Mr. Black was William and was then 15 years of age. William Black was sheriff after the county was formed and severed two terms. He was elected State Senate in l842, and served one term. His wife was a Janes, her family coming to this county from St. Louis County in 1809, and settling Janes Creek. The subject of this sketch was born 4th day of December 1836 at the paternal home on Black's Ferry. He grew to manhood on the farm. He was educated and studied law at Princeton College in KY. When war came in 1861, he was a private serving until he was wounded in the arm causing it to be amputated at the shoulder. At the Battle of Risca, GA., 14th day of May 1864, he was in the Battle of Murfreesboro where his brother Thomas and Eli Hufstedler were killed, and at Franklin and other notable bloody strifes in that war. He was admitted to the Bar at the May term of court 1867. He married Miss Virginia L. Criddle in Pocahontas 16th Day of Nov 1867, and of this union was born Eugene and Waldo now deceased, Edward C, Marvin, (Bunk), Ina now the wife of J.W. Shannon and Blanch, now the wife of P. H. Miller. His sisters were Thalia and Margaret, the former dying before she reached maturity and the latter becoming the wife of John H. Imboden Sr. His brothers were John P., David C., Thomas, and William A. Black all of whom preceded him in death.