Photocopied newspaper article with photographs from a Batesville newspaper of unknown date entitled “The Barnetts of Batesville.”
A brief biography of primarily the 2nd generation of Barnetts who have lived and worked in Batesville. The Barnett & Simpson families arrived in Arkansas before the Civil War. Ira Nelson Barnett I married Martha Louise Simpson in 1865. Three children born to this union: Ira Nelson II and twins boys, Charles Allen & James Franklin. Three boys worked for uncle in Batesville; eventually bought his business, calling it Barnett Brothers.
In 1946 the 3rd generation expanded business operations in 1946, adding a supermarket, auto supply store, furniture store & farm & home supply store. Success of family attributed to I. N. Barnett II. Had a number of farms in county, but largest near Oil Trough where cotton & corn grown. Owned & managed real estate & one of the founders of the Citizens Bank & Trust Company in 1910. Name changed to First National Bank of Batesville.
Article also related the life of Lockie Ball Barnett, daughter of George W. & Mary Elizabeth Huddleston Ball. Lockie & I. N. Barnett II married Dec. 17, 1890. Four children: Charles W., James F., Ira Nelson III, & Mary Louise, who married Dr. Alfred H. Hathcock. Lockie active in church, civic, & patriotic life.